Middlesex target win after batsmen shine

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Close, day three: Midd’x 338 & 169-2 lead Somerset 264-9d by 243 runs

Middlesex batted themselves into a strong position at the end of an intriguing third day at Uxbridge in a match which may yet yield any of three results.

Nick Gubbins (67 not out) and Dawid Malan (48) made their second century stand of the game while Eoin Morgan was unbeaten on 42 at the close to give Middlesex a lead of 243.

Earlier, Nick Compton made a slow 94 and was the last man out as Somerset surprisingly declared on 264-9, 74 runs behind on first innings.

Their gamble looked to have paid off when Middlesex skipper Chris Rogers fell in the third ball of the innings but Malan, Gubbins and Morgan wrest any initiative away from the visitors.

However, Somerset may still in with a shout if Rogers elects to declare overnight or early on Thursday monring to give his side enough time to clinch the win needed to revive their title hopes.

His decision may be influenced by last week’s draw against Northamptonshire when they batted on during the fourth day to keep their opponents at arm’s length but couldn’t bowl them out.

In this match, Somerset lost five wickets for 77 runs as only Alex Barrow (36), Peter Trego (24) and Alfonso Thomas (19 not out) offered support to the stubborn Compton.

When the one-time England opener offered up a catch off Steve Finn’s bowling, Somerset declared to try and push the game on to a positive conclusion.

The loss of Rogers in the opening over seemed to justify Marcus Trescothick’s decision but his bowlers couldn’t capitalise.

Instead, Gubbins – who continues to impress standing in for England cap Sam Robson – hit nine fours and a six in an unbeaten 67 that now stands as his best score in a fledgling County Championship career.

Malan made a brisk 48 as the pair once again anchored a recovery and after he was caught behind, Morgan helped put on another 61.

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