Read frustrates Middlesex

Middlesex 527 Notts 314 and 215-8 Match drawn

Oh, how Tim Bloomfield will regret dropping Chris Read. The former England wicketkeeper was on 15 when he hooked a James Hewitt bumper to long leg but a ham-fisted attempt to take the catch gave Read and ultimately Nottinghamshire a reprieve.

They may not have deserved it but they gleefully took it and thus avoided the ignominy of four defeats in five matches. Read needed help, however, and he got it from a stubborn No 10, Andrew Harris, and persistent showers. The morning session had already been lost to drizzle but, when Middlesex claimed three wickets in three consecutive overs when play finally started at 1.30pm, it looked likely that the division leaders would secure a comfortable victory and, in all probability, promotion to the First Division.

Events conspired against them, however. They deserved more. Three hours were lost on Friday evening to rain and 52 overs yesterday. At times the visitors played like the dominant Middlesex side of the 1980s but, where they filled cupboards with trophies by maintaining their ruthless aggression, this team are learning about the perils of complacency. Let us not forget that they beat Australia in a one-day game and beat them well, only to lose to Herefordshire in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy a few weeks later.

It should come as no surprise that the resurgence of Middlesex cricket has coincided with the appointment of Angus Fraser as captain. He is a passionate, intelligent and dedicated man but, unlike his predecessors, Mike Gatting, Mark Ramprakash and Justin Langer, he does not cast an oppressive cloud over the dressing room.

Aided by John Emburey, a former team-mate and now coach, Fraser has helped fashion a competitive unit from a mix of gifted youth, erratic flamboyance and under-achievers. Importantly, they have realised, like the touring Australians, that cricket matches are won by the team that exerts the most pressure and handles it best.

By scoring 527 at nearly four an over in the first innings, they announced to the opposition that only one side could win the game. That they did not was not entirely their fault but, if they continue to play in this positive vein, they will provide enough opportunities for Phil Tufnell to help them secure promotion.

Awkward character Tufnell may be, but he has 42 wickets already this season and has bowled over 400 overs. There can be no doubting his ability and his desire and, although he is a different personality to Fraser, his will to win is just as strong. The rest are responding to the responsibility placed upon them and the example of the senior men, and that is why they deserve to play in the First Division next season.

The Australians bowl a tight line and length to everyone. It creates pressure. If Middlesex had maintained their pressure throughout the day, they would have won despite the rain.