Strauss finds some form as Middlesex draw at Trent Bridge

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Close, day four: Nottinghamshire 423 &174-7d draw with Middlesex 300-9d & 87-0

Andrew Strauss gained some important milage at the crease and made sure Middlesex took eight points from their trip to Trent Bridge.

After Notts declared their second innings 297 runs ahead, the hosts needed to bowl out Middlesex quickly but Strauss bedded in and managed an 87 partnership with fellow opener Sam Robson.

It will come as a relief to the England captain after he was bowled out for less than double figures for the third time in four innings on day two.

But the plaudits should go to Olly Rayner for batting his first ever Middlesex century on day three to make sure his side came away from their second away game of the season without defeat.

Nottinghamshire resumed the final morning three wickets down for 23 runs but Michael Lumb, who took a century in the first innings, made 55 and Sam Mullaney 73 to put the home side into another sizable lead.

Rayner eventually took them both after Riki Wessels (5) and the captain Chris Read (12) fell to Steven Finn, but by this time Notts were 166-7 in the 52nd over and Read declared in the following over.

Strauss hit seven accomplished boundaries and looked far more comfortable on his way to 43 from 113 deliveries.

And Robson was equally well measured, taking 39 in support of the veteran batsman.

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