Cardiff draw steers Middlesex closer to promotion

Middlesex moved nine points closer to promotion despite being held to a rain-hit draw against Glamorgan at Cardiff.

The complete loss of the first two days of this fixture always meant that the chance of a result was unlikely.

But Middlesex got the better of the draw, moving on from their overnight 169-4 to declare on 302-8.

They then set themselves the target of bowling out Glamorgan cheaply for an unlikely innings win, but the Welshmen remained defiant, closing on 178-4.

Division Two leaders Middlesex, now 12 points clear the top ahead of Northants, start their final game on Monday at Leicester.

Surrey's final game is at home to Derbyshire, also starting on Monday, while second-placed Northants host fourth-placed Gloucestershire.

POST-MATCH VERDICT

Middlesex skipper Chris Rogers:

"We got close, it just didn't fall our way. We didn't really have a lot of luck with the ball but, once again, we played outstandingly well.

"It's just a shame we couldn't win and secure promotion and the title but we're still in a very good position.

"Our approach to the game at the moment is pretty good and if we can maintain that and play well then I think we'd hope to win at Leicester next week and win the whole thing."