Notts forced to settle for draw against Middlesex

Having started the day on 7 for 0, still 38 runs adrift of Nottinghamshire’s first innings total of 419 for 9, Middlesex added another seven runs before persistent drizzle forced an early lunch.

Thankfully, the rain and bad light gave way to an improved afternoon, weatherwise, and Middlesex were able to push on thanks to Sam Robson and first innings half centurion James Harris.

Robson, who was dropped at second slip by Steve Mullaney off Jake Ball in the morning, led the way and reached his 50 off 101 balls with nine fours. He and Harris put on 83 for the first wicket before the former Glamorgan seamer was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Harry Gurney. Although Harris was disappointed with the decision, his 44 off 66 balls took his contribution with the bat, in this match, to 117.

Nick Compton joined Robson at the crease and although Gurney had a confident appeal for lbw against the former Somerset batsman, turned down, shortly after, the pair took Middlesex to tea, at 139 for 1.

With both batsmen keen to notch up another unbeaten score, but at the same time, seizing the opportunity to score some valuable runs, Middlesex passed 150, in the 42nd over,. However, three overs later Compton should have been stumped by Chris Read, off the bowling of Samit Patel.

The left armer beat the outside edge, but with Compton stranded two yards down the wicket, Read completely fluffed his lines and the ball went for two byes.

When bad light forced the umpires to speak once again, the captains eventually shook hands on a draw with Middlesex having reached 162 for 1 with Robson unbeaten on 77 and Compton 36 not out from 68 balls.