WORCESTERSHIRE completed their County Championship Division Two campaign with a tame draw against Middlesex at New Road.

The County were never in a position to mount a serious challenge for a target of 284 at more than five runs an over and could only play out time in reaching a low-key 179-4.

A high-scoring match merely drifted into stalemate. Worcestershire were unable to ignite as their openers, Anurag Singh (17) and Philip Weston (36), fell to catches behind the wicket off Chad Keegan.

Phil Tufnell supplied a different dimension at the other end, teasingly accurate and a wicket-taker as well when the batsmen took risks.

Big-hitting Andy Bichel was bowled for 23 after being promoted to number three and Vikram Solanki's attempt to accelerate fizzled out for 24 when he attempted to sweep the England spinner.

Graeme Hick was left to oversee the closing phase and, though intent on the draw, he was ushered to an unbeaten 59.

The day began with Middlesex still living in hope that the weather might stop Warwickshire settling the promotion issue at Derby.

Strauss continued his impressive finish to the season by reaching 83 before losing his middle and leg stumps to Alamgir Sheriyar. The left-arm paceman confirming his position as the County's leading bowler with 71 first-class wickets.

Middlesex maintained their pro-gress with 55 from Fleming, who was bowled by Matthew Rawnsley, and then Ed Joyce took charge with a century in only 105 balls as Middlesex declared on 368-4.