Tough on Tufnell

Middlesex had to endure the adverse elements of showers, rain and heavy clouds as they waited to convert their championship advantage over Worcestershire into victory at Southgate. Philip Tufnell and Richard Johnson, who had laid low the visitors' batting, were frustrated in that the elements prevented them from capitalising on their efforts.

Worcestershire failed to show the necessary resolution with Steve Rhodes (33 n.o.) running out of partners. Glenn McGrath was the fourth batsman to fall to Tufnell (caught/bowled). Kabir Ali stayed around while 31 runs were scored for the last wicket, but he was out with Middlesex still 162 runs ahead.

Worcestershire saw their chances of gaining on Warwickshire at the top of Division Two disappear as soon as the second innings began - Phil Weston was leg-before first ball to Tim Bloomfield. Elliot Wilson and Paul Pollard pushed the score to 15-1 before rain forced the players off the field not long after lunch. The downpour was so great that the umpires' deemed the outfield to be too dangerous to resume, and Worcestershire will start the morning 147 runs in arrears with nine wickets in hand.