The opening First Eleven D40 game of the year saw us face Surrey in an exciting opportunity to play at one of the most famous Test venues in world Cricket – the Kia Oval.
In action for the first time this season, the squad travelled south of the river to face rivals Surrey in a clash that saw last year’s second and third placed teams attempt to put down a marker for the summer ahead.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, the Middlesex openers looked to settle into their rhythm early, against a spin-focused attack. The first two wickets to fall were run-outs, as the occasion seemed to cloud some of the usual solid communication. Nevertheless, at the fall of the second wicket, Middlesex had 58 runs on the board from the opening 15 overs.
Maddox Colby was the standout performer with the bat, hitting 62 at the top of the order – in an innings which included five fours. However, the rest of the order struggled to get in and support, and soon after Colby was himself run out, the Middlesex innings finished on 127 all out, and looked to be some runs short of a competitive total.
The Middlesex response with the ball was strong however, with bowlers not allowing the Surrey batters to settle and claiming wickets at regular intervals.
Captain James Nordin (2 for 41) struck first, removing both openers, before a run out completed by Elliot Brown had the hosts 65/3. Sam Kumar (2 for 14 in eight overs) and Jai Charan (3 for 9 in six overs) were the pick of the bowlers as the Surrey nerves escalated.
However Surrey crept over the line with three overs and two wickets to spare, finishing on 128/8 and claiming the first win of the season in front of an encouraging Oval crowd.
Despite the result, it was a fantastic experience for all involved, playing at such an historic cricketing venue. Our thanks go to all at the Surrey Foundation for making it possible.
The D40 1XI are next in D40 Quest action on Sunday 21 May, as they host their Essex counterparts at William Perkin School. The Second Eleven will be looking to bounce back from their opening defeat, to Essex, when they head to Surrey themselves next weekend.
The Super 9s bowled Kent out for 21 yesterday to complete an emphatic 127 run victory, and also look forward to a fixture against Essex on 21 May.
You can see the scorecard here.
