Kettleborough resists as Middlesex continue to dominate

James Middlebrook fell for a duck as Northants replied to Middlesex's 488-9 declared

James Kettleborough will resume day three of the LV= County Championship encounter with Middlesex in sight of a maiden first-class half century.

The Championship debutant made an unbeaten 42 as Northamptonshire reached 89-3 in pursuit of Middlesex’s 488-9 declared and they still have plenty of work to do if they are to reach the follow-on target of 339.

Having lost James Middlebrook, Stephen Peters and Matt Spriegel, Kettleborough combined with Rob Newton to stabilise things before rain cut 16 overs from the end of the day’s play.

Earlier, Dawid Malan made an undefeated 154 as the hosts piled up a large total.

The left-hander put on 128 for the sixth wicket with John Simpson (67) as he progressed cautiously from his overnight 72.

For the visitors, Spriegel picked up three wickets late in the innings while Muhammad Azharullah and Steven Crook, returning to face his old club, snared two apiece.