Middlesex tail wags to deny Hampshire victory

Tailenders Toby Roland-Jones, Ollie Rayner and Tim Murtagh saved Middlesex, who began their County Championship title defence with a hard-fought draw at Southampton.

Hampshire had looked set for victory after taking three wickets with the second new ball but the visitors held on.

Middlesex had been in defensive mood throughout the final day, having begun four wickets down with a slender lead of 27.

Adam Voges and nightwatchman Steven Finn saw off the first 57 minutes before he was caught by substitute fielder Fraser Hay at mid-wicket off Brad Wheal.

Voges was joined by John Simpson and the duo added an important 35 to frustrate Hampshire, who took their foot off the gas approaching the second new cherry.

The wait was worth it as they struck just three deliveries in, Voges edging behind off Kyle Abbott, who also removed James Franklin two runs later.

Former Middlesex all-rounder Gareth Berg pulled out the delivery of the day when he managed to get one to spit off a length to send Simpson back caught behind.

But that is where the game ended as a contest as Roland-Jones took the sting out with a time-consuming 25.

He clipped Wheal to Adams while attempting a slog pull but Tim Murtagh put on 26 with Rayner before hands were shaken at 4.50pm.