Dexter sets up Middlesex victory charge

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Nottinghamshire 278 & 182-9 lead Middlesex 353 by 107 runs

A career-best five-wicket haul from Neil Dexter put Middlesex in a commanding position on day three at Trent Bridge.

Dexter ripped open Nottinghamshire’s middle order with three wickets in five balls, including that of England batsman James Taylor, as the home side crumbled to 93-8, a lead of just 18.

However, a ninth-wicket stand of 89 between bowlers Andre Adams and Luke Fletcher frustrated the visitors and ensured Middlesex’s victory chase would go into a final day.

Tim Murtagh removed Fletcher late on but Middlesex will want to wrap things up quickly on Saturday and hope the rain stays away while they knock off the runs required.

After poor weather had delayed the start by 45 minutes, Middlesex added 56 runs to their overnight total of 297-6, with John Simpson stranded on 97 not out.

Facing a first innings deficit of 75, Nottinghamshire quickly slumped to 6-2 and although Alex Hales (32) and Taylor (22) offered some resistance, Middlesex were on top throughout.

Dexter recorded figures of 5-27 in just nine overs as the hosts’ vaunted batting line-up struggled in bowler-friendly conditions.

It looked as though Middlesex would be able to wrap up victory with a day to spare but Adams (50 not out) and Fletcher (47) had other ideas, before bad light ended play with Notts on 182-9.

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