Middlesex into second with tense victory over Sussex

Middlesex 234 & 331 beat Sussex 300 & 245 by 20 runs

James Harris took four wickets as Middlesex secured a nailbiting win over Sussex to keep their slim County Championship title hopes alive.

On an enthralling final day, punctuated by a couple of brief delays for rain and bad light, the visitors came within 20 runs of a win that would have eased their relegation fears.

But Ben Brown – whose 68 helped Sussex get closer and closer to their target – skied a catch into the deep off Tim Murtagh to relieved cheers from the Middlesex supporters.

Earlier, Sussex had needed only a few overs to take the last two Middlesex wickets and set themselves 266.

Harris had them in serious trouble when he removed the top three batsmen within the first 12 overs, and the cheap departures of Michael Yardy and Luke Wright saw Sussex reeling on 103-5.

Brown put on 60 with Chris Nash, either side of showers which forced an early tea, before the latter was caught superbly in the slips by Ollie Rayner for 66.

Ashar Zaidi (16) offered Brown support as Sussex chalked another 34 from their target but three wickets in seven overs seemingly had Middlesex on the verge of victory.

When number 11 Chris Liddle came in, Sussex still needed 51 but Brown farmed the strike very well and also hit five fours as he threatened to carry his side home.

But when he lifted Murtagh to deep backward square leg, and James Franklin claimed the catch, Middlesex took victory and reignited their faint hopes of silverware.

However, reigning champions Yorkshire are still 37 points ahead and have a game in hand.

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