Notts face stiff task against Middlesex

Notts face an uphill battle if they are to avoid defeat against Middlesex in their Cricinfo match at Trent Bridge. Despite 79 from Greg Blewett and an unbeaten half-century from 16-year-old Bilal Shafayat they lost wickets at regular intervals and reached stumps on the second day on 230--6, still 148 away from avoiding the follow--on.

In response to Middlesex's imposing first innings score of 527 Notts soon lost opener Guy Welton for his fifth duck of the season, Darren Bicknell made 27 and Kevin Pietersen hit a quickfire 37 to bring Shafayat to the crease on his first team debut.

He helped Blewett add 72 for the fourth wicket but then the Australian and Paul Johnson were both caught in quick succession by Stephen Fleming at slip from the bowling of Paul Weekes.

Shafayat showed maturity beyond his years as he played confidently against the likes of seasoned veterans Phil Tufnell and Angus Fraser. He was handed the extra responsibility of guiding Notts through to stumps once Chris Read had been caught behind to give Tim Bloomfield his third wicket of the innings.

Accumulating steadily, he advanced to a courageous and well--deserved half-century (135 mins 117 balls 9x4s) with a drive through extra cover off Paul Weekes. The youngster acknowledged the appreciative crowd then sank to his knees and kissed the turf.

Earlier Middlesex reached 527 before being bowled out just after lunch. Stephen Fleming made 151 and Ben Hutton was last man out for 82. Richard Logan returned figures of 5--118 for Notts and for the second time in his career wicket-keeper Chris Read bagged six catches in an innings.