There was an air of inevitability about this slow descent to a draw; Nick Compton’s composed century had ensured something special – either a horrible Hampshire collapse or some extravagant strokeplay – was required to force a result. Neither did and hands were shaken and a stalemate – that puts Middlesex top and Hampshire bottom of Division One – declared at 4.50pm, with Hampshire 185 for five and 236 in front.
With England’s Test summer – and with it their umpteenth new era – due to start on Thursday, it was hard to avoid noticing the number of vanquished Test players on show. Eoin Morgan, fresh from his IPL stint in Hyderabad, watched from the Middlesex balcony, Steven Finn bowled well but without luck, while three of the five openers to have walked in and out of Alastair Cook’s revolving door tried to make a point.
Compton scored that wonderful ton, with all his strengths evident: discipline, stillness and an ability to grind an attack down. Michael Carberry scored two fine half-centuries, the second involving impressive acceleration on Wednesday. Sam Robson was the least conspicuous – he was bowled through the gate by the pacy debutant Brad Wheal.
However, Robson did manage a maiden Championship wicket, that of Adam Wheater, caught behind, as James Franklin gave even his most rotten bowlers – Nick Gubbins and Joe Burns also served up suspect spinners – a chance to shine. Robson, bowling leg-breaks off a long run, took the opportunity gladly; one suspects it will not come often again.
While the final day’s action may best be termed “leisurely”, the result may be relevant come summer’s end. Hampshire are winless this year, and had their bowling been more clinical when they had the visitors 152 for five on the third day, they could have pushed to get off the mark. Equally, Compton’s resistance proved that Middlesex – who came into the game with three wins and a draw – are a force to be reckoned with as they refused to roll.
“We’re pretty happy with how the game went as a whole,” said Hampshire’s captain, Jimmy Adams. “We played some decent cricket, we just didn’t take that chance to drive ahead today and declare to give them a tricky period. We need a win really, that changes things so much. One win and you fly up, especially at this time of year.”
Earlier, Liam Dawson edged Neil Dexter behind, before James Harris snared Adams, who drove well but struggled for rhythm. Carberry was watchful then explosive, moving from 17 off 91 to 50 off 110, including three consecutive boundaries off Toby Roland-Jones and a glorious hooked six off Harris. Timing the ball beautifully, he tried one pull too many and was caught at long-leg off Franklin, who struck James Vince on the back of the head. Vince was protected by new helmet technology that covers the region and received treatment but appeared unruffled. As if to prove it, he produced two stunning drives – one through cover, one past the bowler – on the stroke of tea.
Stumps could have been drawn then, but the players returned for some afternoon revelry, with Vince caught at slip off Ollie Rayner and Robson’s maiden scalp all to report except that inevitable early handshake.
