Middlesex in with a chance at Somerset

Close, day three: Somerset 523-9 dec v Middlesex 223 & 140-1
Somerset 6pts, Middlesex 2pts

A dogged batting display from relegation-threatened Middlesex has given them a fighting chance of salvaging a draw from a seemingly lost cause against Somerset.

Resuming the third day on 64-7 in reply to 523-9, the visitors posted an improbable total of 223 all out thanks to an incredible eighth-wicket stand of 130 by Eoin Morgan (82) and Toby Roland-Jones (77).

And with Chris Rogers (97 not out) leading the way in typically defiant style in the second innings, they had battled through to reach 140-1 following on at close of play on the third day.

Middlesex, who, if they draw this match, would go into their last fixture against Lancashire needing only to draw to avoid relegation from Division One, still trail by 160 runs

But having only lost four wickets all day at Taunton they still have realistic hopes of avoiding a defeat which seemed inevitable 24 hours earlier.

The unlikely scenario was set up by a superb partnership between Morgan and Roland-Jones in an amazing wicket-less morning session.

And despite being made to follow-on when the pair finally fell in quick succession, a superb knock by Rogers and Dawid Malan (34 not out) ensured Middlesex reached 140-1 at stumps and have a lengthy – albeit misfiring – batting line-up to come.

England opener Sam Robson was the only man to fall, being trapped lbw to Peter Trego having made just four.

Should Middlesex draw they will need to avoid defeat against Lancashire in their relegation decider in the final game of the season next week to be certain of staying up.

And even a defeat could be good enough to stay up, depending on how the game against Somerset finishes and the bonus-point situation against Lancashire.

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