Cricket: Derbyshire on top despite Shah

Owais Shah proved an immovable obstacle but Derbyshire still had the better of the third day of their LV County Championship match against Middlesex.

The England batsman made an unbeaten 129 as Middlesex declared in their first innings at 226-9 shortly before tea, giving Derbyshire a lead of 21. Graham Wagg was the pick of the Derbyshire bowlers with 5-88.

By the close, the home side had extended their advantage to 159 at 138-2 and they may be set to make a declaration around lunchtime to chase a second successive win.

Nick Compton was bowled by Nantie Hayward in the fifth over of the day for six at 39-2 and Wagg then had Eoin Morgan caught by substitute wicketkeeper Tom Poynton for seven at 62-3.

Steffan Jones returned to the attack to get Dawid Malan lbw for 11 before lunch.

Wagg's switch to spin brought him the wickets of David Nash, Gareth Berg and Steven Finn. Tim Groenewald chipped in with the wickets of Shun Udal and Tim Murtagh as Middlesex slipped to 195-8.

But Alan Richardson became the side's second-highest scorer with 18 not out before Middlesex surprised everyone by declaring mid-over.

Shah hit 21 fours in his 182-ball stay.

Chris Rogers gave Derbyshire a flying start with an 82-ball 76 which included 11 fours. He was first man out with the score on 97 and Garry Park fell for 16 but Wayne Madsen was 34 not out at the close.