Read’s safety-first approach secures top spot

After the two sides had agreed to forfeit an innings to open up the possibility of victory, Lancashire declared their first innings closed on 350-9, with Kyle Hogg unbeaten on 61.

That left the hosts to chase 351 from 90 overs and after recovering from the loss of two early wickets with half-centuries from James Taylor (67) and Adam Voges (55), a home win looked a possibility.

But the loss of Taylor and Andre Adams in successive balls from Ajmal Shahzad left the tail exposed and Notts captain Chris Read (56 no) decided to bat out for the draw, with the hosts finishing on 293-7.

The result leaves them top of Division One after eight games, a point ahead of Warwickshire, who have a game in hand.

Lancashire began the day on 321-9 but it quickly became apparent that Read and opposite number Glen Chapple had agreed to manufacture a run chase as Notts asked Taylor and Michael Lumb to bowl.

Hogg duly passed 50 in the 4.1 overs needed for the visitors to reach 350 and secure a further batting point.

Lancashire declared and Chapple was quickly celebrating as Alex Hales edged the fourth ball to wicketkeeper Gareth Cross.

Chapple found considerable movement in a testing opening spell and when Hogg trapped Riki Wessels lbw in the 12th over, Lancashire had an early advantage.

A poor first spell from Shahzad relieved the pressure as Michael Lumb and Samit Patel added 64 in 13 overs before the left-arm spin of Kerrigan had Patel back in the pavilion just before lunch, caught at slip by Paul Horton for 24.

Chapple’s second spell after the break accounted for Lumb, lbw for 35, but Taylor and Voges dug in to reach tea on 17-4, with a further 174 required for victory.

Notts showed more attacking intent, with Voges stumped off Kerrigan to end a 99-run fifth-wicket partnership.

Read helped Taylor to his first Championship half-century for Notts as the pair brought the target down to double-figures.

However, when Taylor was lbw to Shahzad and Adams fell next ball at long-off the hosts opted for safety, with Lancashire unable to prise out the final three wickets.