Strauss misses out on half-century

Close, day two: Middlesex 148-2 v Worcestershire

England captain Andrew Strauss was dismissed one-run short of a half-century for Middlesex after play finally got underway on day two.

Yet more rain as the County Championship moved into May meant day one on Thursday was another write-off.

But after Worcestershire won the toss and elected to bowl, Strauss opened with Sam Robson in the morning and took 49 from 73 deliveries.

Bad light and drizzle on an overcast day interrupted play several times and ultimately forced play to be abandoned in the early evening.

Strauss was trapped lbw in the 21st over by paceman Aneesh Kapil before play took its first prolonged interval.

After both an early lunch and tea, play resumed just after 3.30pm and Robson went on to grab a half-century to take Middlesex past their first century.

The players were forced off again for a brief period before another spell of play saw Robson (59) dismissed when he clipped an Alan Richardson delivery to Michael Klinger in the 33rd over.

But the teams were ordered off the field for what would be the last time at 5.00pm with Joe Denly not out for 34 and the skipper Chris Rogers unbeaten on three runs.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook