Simpson and Franklin see Middlesex to crucial win

Middlesex remain on course to lift their first County Championship title since 1993 after a nail-biting five wicket victory at Trent Bridge.

Set 235 to win, the leaders were indebted to three solid contributions for getting them to their target midway through the afternoon.

Nick Compton was dismissed during the morning session for 63 but John Simpson (58 not out) and James Franklin (54 not out) saw their side over the finishing line with an unbroken stand of 89.

While Middlesex remain undefeated in the Championship this season, the defeat confirmed Nottinghamshire’s relegation to the second tier.

Hopes of an extended stay of execution – and a fresh twist to the title race – came when Jake Ball removed Stevie Eskinazi an hour into the final morning, when he edged behind for 30.

Compton, though, made a determined 50 but was then involved in an unfortunate breakdown of communication with Simpson, which led to his being run out.

Any belief the home side had was soon diminished by a terrific sixth-wicket partnership which brought victory within range.

Franklin hit Patel down the ground for the only six of the innings, which also took him to a 78-ball half century, soon after Simpson had got to his, and the pair saw their team home.

However, Yorkshire’s emphatic win over Durham means Middlesex’s lead was reduced from four points to just one, with the sides due to meet at Lord’s in two weeks time.