County Championship: Sam Robson finds form in draw
Last updated on .From the section Counties
| LV= County Championship Division One, Trent Bridge |
| Middlesex 374 & 162-1: Robson 77no, Compton 36no |
| Nottinghamshire 419-9 dec: Read 108, B Taylor 77, Mullaney 76; Franklin 3-41 |
| Match drawn |
| Middlesex 11 pts, Nottinghamshire 11 pts |
| Match scorecard |
Sam Robson made a timely return to form with the Ashes series getting under way as Middlesex batted out the final day for a draw with Notts at Trent Bridge.
The England opener, who won seven Test caps last summer, made his first half century in 14 Championship innings.
Robson hit 12 fours in his 77 not out and shared an unbroken stand of 79 with Nick Compton (36no) before a halt was called with the visitors on 162-1.
The draw was enough to lift Middlesex into second place in Division One.
After a number of rain interruptions during the game, the only way Notts could have won the match would have been to cause a dramatic Middlesex collapse, but the weather meant there was little play before lunch.
And there was nothing in the pitch to assist the home side's attack, with James Harris, pressed into service on the third evening as a nightwatchman-opener, keeping Robson company until the 24th over, when he was lbw for 44 to Harry Gurney.
It was the home side's sole success, although Chris Read fluffed a chance to stump Compton when left-arm spinner Samit Patel found a way past the outside edge.
Robson eventually brought up his first half-century since scoring 178 against Durham in May and in gloomy overhead conditions, the players shook hands shortly after tea.
Nottinghamshire captain Chris Read:
"I think a draw was a pretty fair result over the four days.
"Today was a bit of a damp squib because we knew we needed a full day's play and a really strong first session to have any chance of forcing a result and it didn't happen.
"We have got a pretty decent points tally from our last two games here, so we are pleased with the way we have played, as we were last week against Worcestershire.
"We've just got to hope that this is the start of building something good."
Middlesex opener Sam Robson:
"We were just trying to bat well today to look for the draw and we did that.
"Personally, it was good to get some runs. It was quite difficult against the new ball, but once we got through that period it was quite a nice wicket to bat on.
"Obviously Yorkshire are in a good position and are leading the race at the moment, but we are playing some pretty good cricket and have been doing some good things.
"So, there are six games to go and if we get a few wins, you never know."
