Middlesex down on day of drama

Middlesex, champions last year, have been relegated from Specsavers County Championship Division One after Hampshire held on for a draw against Warwickshire.

Middlesex were left crossing their fingers after losing their relegation clash with Somerset by 231 runs at Taunton.

That guaranteed Somerset’s survival but meant a win or a draw for Hampshire would be enough to secure their safety and send Middlesex down.

And the visitors did what they needed to at Edgbaston, despite a nervy finish, batting out the overs to finish their second innings on 195-7.

Hampshire had been set a target of 259 for victory but survival was the priority. They fell to 124-6, but Ian Holland dug in for a gritty 21 not out from 124 deliveries and Gareth Berg contributed 34 from 79 to guide them towards the safety line.

Earlier, Middlesex’s miserable season was complete when they were bowled out for just 113 in their second innings.

Lancashire clinched second place behind champions Essex after knocking off the 44 runs they required for a seven-wicket victory over Surrey, with Liam Livingstone making 69.

In Division Two, Nottinghamshire joined Worcestershire in gaining promotion courtesy of their draw with Sussex at Hove.

Northamptonshire missed out on promotion by five points despite beating Leicestershire. A wet outfield meant a delayed start but Luke Procter’s 94 helped the visitors reach their target of 197 with six wickets remaining.