COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Derby:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY THREE: Derbys 247 & 138-2 Middx 226-9 dec (Derbys 4pts, Middx 4pts)
21 - 24 July 2009

Shah's unbeaten 129 could put him in the frame for an England return

Middlesex batsman Owais Shah hit a faultless 129 not out to keep his side in their match against Derbyshire.

Shah single-handedly kept the home attack at bay as his team-mates succumbed to the seam and spin assault that saw Graham Wagg claim 5-88.

Middlesex eventually declared on 226-9, 21 runs behind Derbyshire's first-innings total.

Chris Rogers then hit 76 from 82 balls as the hosts closed on 138-2 in their second innings, a lead of 159.

The home team could have been in total command of the game had it not been for Shah's resistance as his team-mates failed to register an individual score above 20.

Nick Compton fell for just six in the fifth over of the morning session as Nantie Hayward unleashed a swinging yorker to take his leg stump.

Eoin Morgan was then caught by replacement keeper Tom Poynton down the leg side off Wagg.

Dawid Malan was then trapped lbw by Steffan Jones as Shah soldiered onto 50 from just 60 deliveries.

Wagg's spin then did for David Nash, as he was caught at short leg, and Gareth Berg, who was undone as the ball turned dramatically.

Shaun Udal was the second Middlesex batsman to be dismissed by a yorker, this time from Tim Groenewald, to leave them 158-7.

Shah stood firm to record his century in 136 balls and with 17 fours.

He eventually found support from Steven Finn and Alan Richardson, who in turn helped him supply the visitors with another 58 runs.

Captain Udal called Shah and Richardson in just before tea, but their misery did not end there.

Rogers immediately dominated the wayward Middlesex attack, reaching 50 off 55 balls, as part of a 97-run opening partnership with Wayne Madsen.

But he was caught at midwicket off Malan's bowling before Garry Park went for 16 to a catch at point by Finn off Udal.

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