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Leus du Plooy was denied the possibility of a double century for Middlesex as rain prevented play on the final day against Northamptonshire.

The former Derbyshire batter was left 196 not out when the umpires abandoned the game as a draw.

Middlesex were 553-2, one ahead, with du Plooy having added 350 with Max Holden for the third wicket.

Holden finished with a career-best 211 not out to his credit, an innings including 16 fours.

A total of 1,105 runs were scored on the first three days for the loss of only eight wickets.

It is the second high-scoring game for Middlesex, with both teams passing 600 in the first innings in their opening-round draw against Glamorgan.

They will face Yorkshire at Lord's in round three, starting on Friday, while Northants host Glamorgan.