Draw inevitable despite Collymore wickets

Warwickshire 267-5 trail Middlesex 428-5 dec by 161 runs

Corey Collymore took three wickets but Middlesex look likely to have to settle for a draw after being frustrated by England stars Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell.

After declaring overnight on 428-5, Middlesex left themselves six sessions over the final two days to bowl Warwickshire out twice in a bid to force victory.

But Trott, Bell, Laurie Evans and Tim Ambrose all scored half centuries on another rain-interrupted day, thwarting Middlesex’s hopes for a win.

Warwickshire batted sensibly throughout and, after Collymore had opener Will Porterfield caught at slip, Evans and Trott guided the Bears to 83-1 at lunch.

Evans had to retire hurt with a broken bone in his hand, bringing Bell to the crease with his England colleague at 128-1.

Trott passed his 50 but was one of two quick wickets for Tim Murtagh as Middlesex hit back.

Murtagh had Trott caught at slip for 65 and then accounted for Jim Troughton for a duck to leave Warwickshire on 162-3.

Rain arrived for the third day running, delaying play until after tea, but Bell and Ambrose continued to bat sensibly in a partnership worth nearly 100.

Collymore ended the innings of both lbw shortly before the close and the match is likely to fizzle out to a draw on Saturday.

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