Rain Saves the Bores

CHRIS THOMAS COMES OUT OF MTWD OBSCURITY TO PROVIDE A REPORT ON A DAY MIDDLESEX DARED TO BELIEVE WE CAN BEAT THE (YAWN) CHAMPIONS ELECT.

Bad light cost Middlesex the chance to force victory at Edgbaston yesterday as the visitors had to settle for a draw against champions elect Warwickshire. Middlesex had fought back brilliantly on day three through centurions Chris Rogers and Dawid Malan to turn a troubling position into a potentially match winning one but ultimately time ran out on them on in the end.

After choosing to bat on during the final morning to set the Bears an unlikely 367 - Gareth Berg making a welcome return to form with 78 - Middlesex produced yet another excellent bowling performance that would surely have brought a victory had the elements not conspired against them. Prior to lunch Tim Murtagh had first innings centurion Westwood well held behind by Adam Rossington before Chopra's poor shot off Roland Jones dollied up a catch for Murtagh at mid on. When the fast improving Ravi Patel enticed Porterfield to walk past his first ball to be stumped, Warwickshire were 30-3.

Leg-before decisions against Maddy and Clarke for Berg and Roland Jones respectively pushed Middlesex closer to victory but they were frustrated by light rain that took 16 overs out of the game. When play resumed in gloomy conditions, Middlesex could only use slow bowlers but the young Patel took up the challenge, having the patient Troughton caught gloving down the leg side and Blackwell - after a couple of close shaves - caught and bowled.

However, the light further deteriorated in the last hour and it was little surprise when umpires Saggers and Lloyds decided to take the players from the field for the final time.

That Middlesex took less points (8) than Warwickshire (9) from the draw was an inaccurate reflection on a game the visitors turned superbly in their favour by the end. The story of the game, however, should give Middlesex much confidence as they approach their last two games.