Ravinder Bopara earned warm praise from head coach Graham Gooch as he played the major role in earning Essex a draw in their Championship battle against Middlesex at Lord's.

The 18-year-old followed up his 48 in the first innings with an unbeaten 40 in the second as the county, after following on 197 behind, finished on 269-8.

The youngster batted for a total of six hours, seven minutes in the match and his only error of judgement during that time led to him being run out in the first innings.

"He showed up some of the more experienced players in the side," said Gooch.

"Ravinder's performances were outstanding and that is a view echoed by Middlesex coach John Emburey."

While Bopara contributed 88 runs in the match, Darren Robinson, Andy Flower and Aftab Habib made just 51 in a total of six innings.

Robinson suffered the indignity of being bowled without offering a stroke from the second ball of the final day when Essex resumed on 21 without loss.

Paul Grayson held the innings together early on, collecting ten boundaries while compiling his best score of the season.

But once he was caught behind off Simon Cook for 69 to leave Essex 137-6, Middlesex still looked odds on favourites to win.

Hopes of Essex surviving appeared slimmer still when Jon Dakin became another Cook victim soon afterwards.

But Bopara and James Middlebrook then teamed up to usher Essex to safety. They defied a succession of bowling changes in putting together a century partnership.

And well before Middlebrook was trapped lbw immediately after completing his half-century with the aid of seven fours and a six, Essex were assured of avoiding defeat.

Published Monday, June 9, 2003

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