Abbott Double Puts Hampshire On Top In Rain-Affected Third Day

Kyle Abbott took two late wickets as Hampshire enjoyed the better of a rain-affected third day against Middlesex at Uxbridge in the County Championship.

Abbott (2-19) returned late on to claim two scalps in as many overs as Middlesex suffered a middle-order collapse to present Hampshire with another bowling point.

There were also more wickets for Fidel Edwards (3-63) and Ian Holland (2-31), with stand-in captain Jimmy Adams taking the catch at second slip on both occasions.

No play was possible in the morning with the players taking an early lunch that was scheduled for midday in the hope that there may be some action in the afternoon session.

There were further inspections at both 1pm and 2pm, with the umpires taking the decision to call an early tea, with a fourth inspection being planned for 3pm, and an early tea being taken as a result.

There was a scheduled start for 3:30pm, but after further rain that was pushed back to 4:15pm, with 28.5 overs remaining in the days play.

Voges increased the intent as Middlesex passed the three figures despite an economical spell from Abbott, who bowled three consecutive maidens.

Fidel Edwards was the star on day two, and it took less than three overs for him to pick up his third wicket, finding the edge of Voges (27) with Adams taking a superb low catch in the slips.

Holden (35) was playing well, but after a patient innings, he poked at a ball outside off stump with Ian Holland finding the edge of the debutant.

Abbott then bowled Middlesex captain Franklin (0) in just his second ball of his new spell to give his side another bowling point.

The seamer had another wicket in his very next over, with Jamie Harris (0) offering no shot as he was trapped right in front as the hosts fell from 138-4 to 154-7.

John Simpson (15*) and Ollie Rayner (4*) ensured there were no further alarms as Middlesex ended the day on 162-7.

Hampshire will look to secure their third and final batting point when the final day begins tomorrow morning at 10:30am.