Middlesex were relegated in the final overs of the 2023 season at Nottinghamshire following a two wicket defeat, reports Mark Caswell

Ryan Higgins, Middlesex CCC in action during Middlesex CCC vs Kent CCC, LV Insurance County Championship Division 1 Cricket at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 27th April 2023

With nearest rivals Kent forcing a draw with Lancashire and time being lost due to poor weather Middlesex were forced to set Notts a generous off 56 overs.

The home knocked off the runs with two overs remaining, condemning Middlesex to division two.

Player of the season and next year’s captain Ryan Higgins 137, Josh De Caires 49, Steven Eskinazi 58 and Sam Robson who finally found some form carried his bat in the second innings for 105, took the batting honours, his 4-46 in the final innings nearly claimed victory for Middlesex.

Despite making their highest first innings total of the season, adding three batting points to the paltry two points gained in the previous 13 games, captain Toby Rowland-Jones commented after the game: “Over a 14 game season we have not found our true form, and found ourselves in a situation with which we can’t really argue.”

Middlesex v Warwickshire lost by eight wickets.

Batting first the home team failed to their paltry two batting points this season as they were skittled out for 121. Middlesex bowling legend Tim Murtagh announced his retirement before this game and added eight more wickets to the 900 plus wickets he had already amassed.

With match figures of eight-102, Murtagh will now move into a coaching role at the club.

With Warwickshire obtaining a first innings lead of 194, defeat looked inevitable being bowled out for 251, opener Sam Robson carrying his bat for 107, and useful contributions from Ryan Higgins 57 and Josh DeCaires 40.

Middlesex were fortunate to come away from Old Trafford with a draw in a rain affected game.

Batting first Middlesex failed to add to their two batting points this season and were bowled out for 194 by a Lancashire team currently fourth in the table.

Sam Robson 86 and the ever consistent Ryan Higgins 41 were the only batsman to get in on a good batting wicket.

The home team managed 413 all out, new overseas signing Jayat Yadav five–131 impressed.

With rain dominating the final two days their second innings ended on 160-3, both Jack Davies 65 not out and Joe Cracknell 33 finally finding some form.

Middlesex came in for their final home game of the season against Warwickshire knowing that it is between them and Kent who will survive relegation this season.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.