Nottinghamshire seamer Ryan Sidebottom underlined his credentials with a three-wicket haul on a day to forget for Warwickshire’s England hopefuls.
Sidebottom had Ian Bell caught behind for a single whilst Jonathan Trott scored 15 before edging to Adam Voges at third slip off Charlie Shreck.
Shreck also returned three wickets but was less economical than Sidebottom who had Troughton and Ambrose lbw for single figures.
Warwickshire closed on 214-9, their recovery from 66-6 led by Rikki Clarke who was run out having led his side to 202-8 in partnerships with Woakes, Tahir and Sreesanth.
Andre Adams and Mark Ealham took a wicket each, Adams bowling Woakes for 22 and Ealham inducing Tahir to edge to the reliable hands of Voges.
“Ryan bowled a good spell and he’s been impressive in the last few games he’s played for us which bodes well for our push to get the final wicket in the morning,” said Director of Cricket Mick Newell.
“I was pleased for Charlie today because he’s not having the sort of the season that he’s become accustomed to and it’s clear that he needs to play regularly to maintain the form that he has shown for us over the years.”
Nottinghamshire remain firmly in control and with wet weather forecast for Friday, will endeavour to be in a position to enforce the follow-on on Thursday morning.