Franklin frustrated as Middlesex are thwarted by weather

Stand-in skipper James Franklin cut a frustrated figure after Middlesex’s hopes of victory at Edgbaston were ended on the final day by bad weather.

Rain washed out the first two sessions, meaning only 18 overs were possible, and the visitors were only able to take one of the seven wickets they had needed.

Nearest challengers Yorkshire were also held up by the weather at Hampshire, and Middlesex’s lead at the top is now four points with three games to go.

Ollie Rayner took the only wicket to fall, trapping nightwatchman Chris Wright (22) lbw, but Warwickshire captain Ian Bell (25 not out from 107 balls) dug in alongside the more fluent Sam Hain (21 not out) until the light deteriorated.

“It is frustrating but we can’t control the weather,” Franklin said.

“We knew it was coming but you can’t play to that too much because we had to get a total on the board.

“The toss was crucial, playing on a worn wicket, and even though we only scored 240 we always knew that would put us there or thereabouts in the game.

“The bowlers did really well to skittle Warwickshire for 170 and then Sam Robson and Nick Gubbins laid a great foundation for us in the second innings. It was a really good team performance.”