The conclusion of the LV= County Championship match at Trent Bridge, where Nottinghamshire’s failure to beat Hampshire, saw Middlesex County Cricket Club secure second place in Division One; their highest placed County Championship finish since they were pipped to the title by Warwickshire two decades ago in 1995.
Despite the disappointment of a last match defeat at the hands of Worcestershire at New Road, in what was an uncharacteristically below-par performance by the Seaxes, Middlesex’s progress since returning to the top flight of the Championship in 2012 has been hugely impressive.
Seven wins, seven draws and only two losses this term saw Middlesex finish the season on 218 points, the club’s highest Division One points tally since two divisions were introduced into the County Championship set up back in 2000.
Securing second place, and being beaten to the title only by Yorkshire, the side who are unanimously regarded as the strongest in the country, whilst also beating them in such style at Lord’s earlier this month, gave Middlesex’s Head Coach, Richard Scott, plenty of belief that Middlesex’s wait for County Championship success could well be nearing an end...
“Whilst this week has been disappointing, it hasn’t taken the gloss off what has been an outstanding season for everyone involved in Middlesex cricket. The collective excellence of the team has been the real highlight for me this year, with the overriding mantra of us being a really hard side to beat.
“Whilst there have been some brilliant individual performances throughout the year, not least of all Compton scoring a thousand runs and Harris taking 69 wickets – we couldn’t have got where we’ve got without each and every member of the side playing their own important role in the team’s overall performance.
“Furthermore doing the double over both Durham and Sussex were huge achievements in their own right, and I’m convinced we’d have also done the same to Somerset had rain not intervened at Merchant Taylors'.
“The standout win of the season was undoubtedly the win against Yorkshire here at Lord’s, which really typified the fighting spirit we’ve instilled in the side.
“Without exception, all of our players will be realigning their goals for next year, to achieve more from an individual perspective, which will ultimately help us towards achieving our team goals.
“A special thanks must go to James Franklin for admirably leading the side, his calming influence both on and off the field has been a huge factor this year which cannot be underestimated.”
Middlesex’s Chairman, Ian Lovett, also commented...
“Finishing in second place in the County Championship is a fantastic tribute to all the hard work that has been put in by the players, coaches and all of the backroom staff at the club. My congratulations go to each of you for a terrific season.
“The success of the Second Eleven has also been a huge positive this year, with them lifting the Twenty20 trophy and securing a place in the final of the Championship. Much of this success was achieved by a group of young and talented cricketers who have a promising future here at the club, so it fills us all with great optimism that the future of cricket in Middlesex looks extremely bright in their hands. Well done to all those who have played their part in such a successful season.
“Whilst it is only right today that we enjoy our second place finish in the County Championship, our highest standing for two decades, we must in the coming winter months look to address the shortcomings in white ball cricket, which again this year has been disappointing in both of the shorter formats.
“Finally, my thanks and the thanks of all of the players goes to our members and fans, who have remained so positive and supportive throughout. Your ongoing commitment is really appreciated by all at the club and we hope you have enjoyed the season.”
