Simpson knock edges Middlesex in front

Middlesex 297-6 lead Nottinghamshire 278 by 19 runs

A century opening stand and an unbeaten 77 by wicket-keeper John Simpson helped Middlesex edge a tight second day at Trent Bridge.

Simpson shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 116 with Gareth Berg until the latter fell late on for 43, by which time Middlesex had moved into a first-innings lead.

Openers Chris Rogers (50) and Sam Robson (76) both scored half centuries as the visitors moved to 106-0 but their hard work was almost undone by quick wickets in the middle order.

Simpson and Berg steadied the ship, although Luke Fletcher’s third wicket towards the close will keep Nottinghamshire interested.

Middlesex started the day on 12-0, having dismissed Nottinghamshire for 278 on Wednesday, with Toby Roland-Jones taking six wickets.

On a gloomy morning, skipper Rogers was quickly into his stride, reaching his 50 from 80 balls, ably supported by fellow Australian Robson, as the pair put Middlesex in control.

However, former England bowler Ajmal Shahzad broke the partnership, trapping Rogers lbw, and Luke Fletcher removed Joe Denly without scoring soon afterwards.

Robson continued to steadily accumulate runs but watched partners Dawid Malan (6) and Neil Dexter (7) fall cheaply before succumbing himself to Fletcher, as Middlesex slipped from 148-2 to 175-5.

Undeterred by the clatter of wickets, Simpson and Berg went on the attack to snatch back the momentum and their partnership helped move Middiesex beyond Nottinghamshire’s first innings total.

Simpson hit eight fours and two sixes and will start day three unbeaten on 77, while Berg looked in great touch until he fell seven runs short of his fifty.

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