Cricket writer Mark Caswell reports from Middlesex CCC

Credit Michael Weir

Newly promoted Middlesex went down to a 97 run defeat in their opening county championship division one game of the season against local rivals Essex.

They must be regretting winning the toss and inserting Essex, as the wicket was at its best for the first day.

Both teams appeared to be stronger in the bowling department.

Essex 266 first innings score (the highest of the match) was indebted to England prospect Dan Lawrence 105, and Matt Critchley 55, with Middlesex captain Toby Rowland-Jones taking an impressive 7-61.

Middlesex reply got off to a horrendous start with the first four batsman failing to trouble the scorers. However, a partnership of 127 out of 170 all out by the reliable John Simpson 63 and Ryan Higgins 70 returning back to Lords full time kept the home team in game as Essex took a first innings lead of 96.

With the bowlers now on top Tim Murtagh 4-44 saw the home set to score a match highest score of 317 to win the game.

For the second time in the game Middlesex lost a wicket in the first over opener Mark Stoneman bagging a pair, Sam Robson and overseas signing Pieter Malan, both falling for single figure scores.

Steven Eskinazi 37 looked to be finding some form before falling to the games outstanding bowler Jamie Porter who recorded match figures 9-69, Higgins 41, and the promising Luke Hollman 63 not out, making his first major contribution of the game, as Middlesex fell 97 runs short of their target.

Middlesex travel to Northants this week, and then entertain highly rated Notts on Thursday, 20th April. The batsman will have to start finding some form, otherwise this could be a long season.

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