After securing an incredible one wicket victory in their latest Specsavers County Championship encounter at Grace Road against Leicestershire yesterday, Middlesex head to Canterbury tomorrow to take on the division’s in-form side, Kent.
It was a classic ‘game of two halves’ this week at Grace Road, where the home side dominated proceedings on the opening two days to put themselves in complete control of the match, only for Middlesex to rally bravely over days three and four, to firstly knock Leicestershire over cheaply in their second innings, before then going on to chase down a huge target of 381 late in the final session of the game to secure an amazing victory.
The win was crucial for Middlesex - not only to ensure they keep in touch in the promotion race and keep alive their hopes of an immediate return to the top flight, but also to instil confidence and belief within the side after a run of disappointing results in the Championship campaign to date. The manner in which Middlesex turned things around against Leicestershire, showing spirit, mental strength and desire will give them a huge boost ahead of another tough away trip in Canterbury.
Nineteen points from the Leicestershire victory have taken Middlesex to fifth place in the table on 64 points, 36 behind Warwickshire and 28 behind Kent in second.
Things closed up at the top of the table this week, when Kent overcame previously unbeaten Warwickshire - winning convincingly by 73 runs at Canterbury. This was Kent’s fourth win in their last five Championship matches and saw them close the gap at the top to leaders Warwickshire to just 8 points! Middlesex will need to be at their very best to put the brakes on Kent’s charge.
Joe Denly leads the hosts’ run scoring - with 414 runs at over 41, whilst Heino Kuhn and Sean Dickson have weighed in with almost 400 runs apiece. With the ball the main threat comes from Christchurch born Matt Henry, who with an incredible 49 wickets at an average of only 13, is the leading wicket-taker in the country in either division - a staggering 19 wickets ahead of any other bowler. The evergreen Darren Stevens and former Middlesex quick Harry Podmore have 23 and 20 wickets respectively and will also pose a significant threat with the ball. Podmore will no doubt have the bit between his teeth and will be keen to make an impression against his former employers!
In the season’s solitary day/night pink ball clash, Middlesex will have to take on Kent without Paul Stirling, who has joined up with the Ireland squad ahead of their clashes with India this week, whilst paceman Steven Finn will also sit this one out and is rested, after suffering from some soreness in his left knee during the win at Leicestershire.
Nick Gubbins and Tom Helm are still away with the England Lions, who take on India-A this week, although the squad is boosted by the welcome return of James Fuller, who has completed his lengthy journey back to fitness. After a successful period of recuperation and having featured in a number of recent second eleven clashes, Fuller’s return to fitness could not be more timely for Middlesex.
Middlesex Head Coach Richard Scott has named the following fourteen-man squad for the trip to Kent:
Dawid Malan (captain)
Martin Andersson
Tom Barber
Hilton Cartwright
Stephen Eskinazi
James Fuller
James Harris
Max Holden
Tim Murtagh
Ravi Patel
Sam Robson
George Scott
John Simpson (wicket-keeper)
Robbie White
Kent
Middlesex
