DAY ONE
Middlesex amassed 193 runs on the opening day of their pre-season clash against Kent at Merchant Taylors’ School.
At the start of the day, Sam Robson and Josh de Caires put on a handy partnership for the first wicket – scoring 45 runs before Robson was caught by Jordan Cox off the bowling of Nathan Gilchrist.
The hosts reached 76/2 at lunch with John Simpson and Stephen Eskinazi unbeaten at the break – de Caires (19) was dismissed by Harry Podmore as Marcus O’Riordan claimed the catch behind square on the off-side.
On a green pitch that was offering plenty for the bowlers, six wickets fell in the afternoon session – which was something that was happening up and down the country too as batsmen faced the usual early-season test.
There were starts for Tom Helm (18), Eskinazi (17), Simpson (16), Martin Andersson (15) and Max Harris (15) and Middlesex were all out for 148 shortly after the tea break.
Middlesex then went in to bat again and faced a difficult spell in the evening sunshine. Daniel O’Driscoll and Helm finished not out at the close of play.
The match resumes tomorrow morning at 10.30am, where Middlesex will be in the field.
DAY TWO
Middlesex spent the second day of their two-day match against Kent fielding at Merchant Taylors’ School.
Tim Murtagh was the pick of the Middlesex bowlers, ending up with figures of 3/23 – with wickets also being taken by Tom Helm (1/48) and Ishaan Kaushal (1/77).
On a day when batting was easier, Middlesex took two early wickets and had the visitors three down by the lunch break.
Jack Leaning (70 retired out) and Ollie Robinson (49 retired out) shared an unbeaten partnership of 98 under the Northwood sunshine to help Kent reach 294/7 at stumps.
Spinners Luke Hollman and Thilan Walallawita got overs under the belt. Young seamer, Max Harris – despite going wicketless – impressed, bowling 13 overs for 20 runs at an economy rate of 1.54.
Middlesex are next in action on Monday, when Surrey visit Merchant Taylors’ School for another two-day match.
Play will commence at 11am with spectators welcome. Facilities for spectators will be limited and parking will be available on Long Lane adjacent to the Merchant Taylors' School ground.
For those who are unable to attend, there will be a live-stream available on the Club’s website via the match centre.
