PACEMAN Alamgir Sheriyar proved to be the only winner in Worcestershire's rain abandoned County Championship draw against Middlesex at New Road.

The 25-year-old failed to take a wicket, but was confirmed as the country's leading wicket-taker following the abandonment of Somerset's match against Lancashire.

Sheriyar lifted his tally to 92 on Friday and then heard on Saturday that his closest rival Andy Caddick was washed out at Taunton with his total on 91.

The County moved above Middlesex into 15th place in the table despite being unable to finish their campaign on a winning note.

Only 27 overs were possible on Saturday before the wet weather completed Middlesex's escape from defeat in Mark Rampra-kash's last Championship match as skipper.

When the abandonment came Middlesex, who had followed on 230 behind, were five runs ahead for the loss of just one wicket.

Overnight batsmen Andrew Strauss and Ramprakash continued to frustrated the County attack and when the premature end arrived had put on an undefeated 132.

Ramprakash was leading the way on 87 not out which included two sixes and ten fours off 161 deliveries.

Strauss, who scored 62 in his first innings, was left high and dry on 71 which contained one six and 12 fours off 192 balls.

In the end Worcestershire had to be content with 12 points leaving them two places lower in the table than they finished last season.