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Fraser shows Middlesex the way

Middlesex (207-6) bt Durham (182) by 25 runs

An incisive opening spell by Angus Fraser in which he toppled the wickets of David Boon, John Morris and Martin Speight virtually sealed the issue in an eminently forgettable match, played on the same pitch used for the championship match which ended on the previous day.

Its age - which, no doubt, prompted Middlesex to bat first - had rendered it slow and low in bounce and, indeed, free strokeplay was not easy. After Justin Langer spooned up a return chance to Melvyn Betts, which he failed to hold but knocked up to short mid-on, in the fifth over, Mike Roseberry and Mark Ramprakash added 125 in 32 overs.

Ramprakash grafted his way to 56 off 91 balls and Roseberry employed some rustic onside clouts to get 83. Middlesex's momentum dropped after the breach of this partnership.

Durham's start was sprightly but in the fifth over, Fraser cut one back to trap Boon, playing back, lbw. Morris, also on the back foot, was bowled by another which nipped in. Speight, trying to hook him, lobbed a catch from his glove and Durham were 45 for four.