LV=CC Highlights

• 25 May 2013

  Only 18 overs were possible on the third day up at the Emirates Durham ICG, due to the weather. Durham pushed on adding a further 52 runs to their lead, and Harris took the wicket of Stoneman for 50. At stumps, Durham are 89-1, leading by 152 runs going into the 4th and final day.

• 24 May 2013

  It was a difficult day for Middlesex up at Durham, and a delayed start followed by several rain delays throughout the day didn't help them batsmen as Middlesex resumed on Day 2 on 11-2. When Middlesex were 35-5 in the 26th over there was talk of the follow-on, but Simpson (42) and Dexter (52) added 68 runs in 16 overs for the 6th wicket. Berg was out soon after Simpson with the score on 119, but Harris joined Dexter & they steadied again. Dexter was out shortly after getting his half century with the score on 151. Harris (37) & Roland-Jones(19) then added 45 runs for the 9th wicket but were out in successive overs, leaving Middlesex all out for 196, just short of a batting point and trailing by 63 runs (Onions 5-39). Durham batted for the remaining 12 overs without a hitch and at stumps were 37 without loss, leading by 100 runs.

• 23 May 2013

  Middlesex won the toss up at the Emirates Durham ICG and chose to bowl first. Despite an early wicket from Collymore, Durham saw out the rest of the first session & went into lunch on 100-1. A dropped catch by Robson gave Durham 5 penalty runs as the ball rolled onto a discarded helmet. Borthwick (52) & Jennings (38) added 101 runs for the 2nd partnership before they were out in quick succession, followed by another two wickets, which saw Durham on 149-5. Smith (37) and Mustard (62) steadied the ship with a 55 run partnership, but wickets then fell at regular intervals & Durham were finally all out for 259 (Collymore 4-61, Harris 3-46, Berg 2-42, Dexter 1-15), leaving Middlesex with 8 tricky overs to bat. Middlesex lost both openers in the first two overs (3-2), but Denly & nightwatchman Smith survived through to the close. Middlesex will go into day two on 11-2 with Denly 4* & Smith 2*.

• 18 May 2013

  Somerset resumed their second innings on day 3 still 83 runs behind Middlesex with five wickets down. Buttler and Trego took their sixth wicket partnership to 122 before Trego was well caught by Neil Dexter in the gully off Murtagh's bowling for 82. Alfonso Thomas joined Buttler and the pair took Somerset to 185-6 -6 before Thomas was caught by Tom Smith at mid-wicket for 19, off James Harris. Buttler reached his fifty (off 124 balls, 7 fours) and in the same over, Somerset cleared the arrears. The pair were still together at lunch as Somerset reached 208-7 with Buttler 58 not out and Leach 9 not out.
   
  After lunch, Tim Murtagh returned to the attack with Tom Smith continuing to bowl his left-arm spin at the River End. A shower of rain drove the players off the ground with the hosts on 222-7. Play resumed after a twelve minute delay and Tom Smith bowled Leach behind his legs, for 21. Buttler soon followed for 85 before he miscued a straight drive against Gareth Berg and Chris Rogers held a fine catch at deep mid-off.
   
  Last man, Jamie Overton joined Kirby with the new ball available in a further 2.3 overs. With the light fading, Middlesex continued with Berg and Smith bowling and did not take the new ball. The total reached 265-9 after 84 overs and Middlesex took the new ball but before Murtagh could bowl a ball however, the umpires brought the players off the field due to bad light and an early tea was taken.
   
  Play resumed after tea and it took Murtagh only five balls to take the final wicket of the innings when he trapped Kirby LBW for seven. Somerset were all out for 265 to leave Middlesex needing just 71 runs to win. Tim Murtagh bowled splendidly to finish with figures of 6-49 from 21.5 overs, giving him match figures of 10-77.
   
  Chris Rogers and Sam Robson opened the innings but the rain arrived with Middlesex 11-0. Play resumed at 6.20pm with 5.3 overs remaining plus an extra half hour being available to get a result. Middlesex reached 39-0 after the 5.3 overs and the extra half hour was claimed.
   
  Rogers played on and was bowled by Overton for 25 off the third ball of the first extra over and Joe Denly came to the crease. Robson and Denly finished the job with 2.3 overs to spare and Middlesex won by nine wickets with Sam Robson 24 not out and Joe Denly 14 not. The win takes Middlesex back to the top of the table with 79 points, with Yorkshire on 76 points and Durham on 70.5 points.

• 17 May 2013

  Day 2 down in Taunton was definitely Middlesex's day. Middlesex resumed on 292-8 in the morning, and added a further 55 runs before they were all out for 347 (Dexter 82). In reply, Somerset had just 36 runs on the board when Murtagh struck, taking two wickets in two balls (Trescothick 24), and at lunch they were 52-3. The wickets continued to tumble, and Somerset were all out at tea for 152 (Trego top scoring with 34), trailing by 195 runs. Murtagh was the top wicket scorer with 4-28.

  Middlesex enforced the follow-on, and it looked like the best idea when Murtagh struck with the 3rd ball, bowling Suppiah for 0. The next four wickets fell in quick succession and with Somerset floundering on 35-5 (four more wickets for Murtagh), it looked like it might be over in two days. However, Trego & Buttler steadied the Somerset ship and batted through the final 22 overs of the day unscathed. Somerset will go into day three on 112-5 (Trego 58* & Buttler 20*), 83 runs behind.

• 16 May 2013

  Somerset won the toss down in Taunton and on a green tinged pitch put Middlesex into bat first. Openers Rogers and Robson got off to a good start, putting on 76 runs in 24 overs before Robson was out for 42. Rogers was then joined by Denly, who dominated the scoring after the lunch break, with his first 10 scoring shots being boundaries. Both Rogers (57) and Denly (55) bought up their 50s, but then Middlesex lost 3 wickets in 10 balls, with both them and Malan getting out. Middlesex had gone from 158-1 to 162-4. Simpson and Dexter started to put Middlesex back in the driving seat but another cluster of wickets saw Middlesex reduced from 211-4 to 222-7 in the space of 5 overs. Dexter continued to push on thought and brought up his 50, and brought up the 250 with Roland-Jones. They added 48 runs for the 8th wicket before Roland-Jones was Jamie Overton's 4th wicket, caught by Hildreth for 21. Dexter & Smith then saw Middlesex through to the close. Middlesex will resume on Day 2 on 293-8 with Dexter 73* & Smith 9*.

• 12 May 2013

  In a very rain affected 4th day at Edgbaston, only 21 overs were possible, and with a draw inevitable it was all about bonus points. Warwickshire resumed on 267-5, as they looked for more batting bonus points in the 110 overs. They reached 350 in the alloted overs and with three wickets for Murtagh, who ended up with a 5-wicket haul (5-85), Middlesex got a 2nd bowling point. Warwickshire took 8 points from the draw and Middlesex 10, which returned them to the top of the County Championship table.

• 11 May 2013

  Middlesex declared overnight on 428-5 with Robson 215*. The bowlers had to wait for the 15th over for the first wicket, but it was the only wicket to fall in the morning session. Evans had to retired hurt on 59* after being hit on the hand by a ball from Finn, which brought Bell to the crease to join fellow England team mate, Trott. Their partnership didn't last long as Trott was dismissed for 65 by Murtagh in the 58th over. Two overs later he also had the wicket of Troughton for 0. Bell (62) and Ambrose (55) then added 96 runs for the 4th wicket partnership. However, both were out before the close, falling lbw to Collymore. Warwickshire were 267-5 at the close.

• 10 May 2013

  Middlesex resumed on day 2 on 280-3 with Robson 136* and Dexter 21*. They added 45 runs in the morning before Dexter (46) was out just short of this 50. Robson however, kept adding on the runs, and after Simpson was out for 19, he and Berg went on to secure the fifth and final batting point, off the last ball of the 110th over. Robson's double century was next on the cards, coming off 303 balls, including 20 fours, and after accelerating the run rate he surpassed his previous highest first class score of 204 - a superb batting display. Rain intervened however, and play ended for the day at about 2.30pm, with Middlesex 428-5 with Robson 215* and Berg 23*.

• 09 May 2013

  Middlesex enjoyed the first day of the LV= County Championship match against defending champions, Warwickshire at Edgbaston. On a rain shortened day, Middlesex made 280-3 from 72.5 overs after skipper Chris Rogers won the toss and opted to bat first on a very good wicket. Sam Robson scored his second successive championship hundred and finished on 136 not out but unfortunately three Middlesex batsmen were dismissed in their thirties.
   
  Boyd Rankin picked up the wicket of Chris Rogers for 33. Joe Denly joined Robson at the wicket the total reached 162-1 after 41 overs before Denly, who had batted determinedly, survived a difficult chance to Evans at short-leg off Jeetan Patel.
   
  Robson reached his hundred in the following over from Clarke, off 128 balls (14 fours) and with Denly, took Middlesex to 180-1 before Denly was dismissed for 35. 
   
  Malan looked in good touch, and scored 37 before he was disappointed to be given out LBW, not playing a shot,  by umpire Steve Gale off Patel's bowling. Neil Dexter joined Robson with the score on  241-3. The Edgbaston floodlights were switched on at 4.30pm but after a further few overs the rain came and no further play was possible. A total of 23 overs were lost from the days' play. Middlesex were 280-3 after 72.5 overs with Sam Robson 136 not out (off 214 balls, 16 fours) and Neil Dexter 21 not out.

• 06 May 2013

  Middlesex resumed on the 4th and final day at Lord's Cricket Ground on 283-2 with Rogers 131* & Finn 4*, leading by 111 runs. Nightwatchman Finn was out early for 8, which bought Malan to the crease, and he along with Rogers added 130 for the 4th wicket. Some supremely confident batting from Rogers saw him to his double century, which came off 293 deliveries. He was finally out for 214, with the score 417-4. Malan followed 3 balls later for 47 and Stirling not long after that, and Middlesex went into lunch on 420-6 leading by 248 runs. Dexter (59) and Simpson (30*) had some fun with the bat after lunch. Dexter was then out with the score on 510, and when Roland-Jones was out in the next over, Chris Rogers declared on 514-8 leading by 342 runs - the highest score from Middlesex against Surrey at Lord's ever. In reply, Surrey lost Burns in the 17th over, but with the score on 85-1, the captains shook hands for a draw.

• 05 May 2013

  A record opening stand by Chris Rogers & Sam Robson in Middlesex's second innings saw the home side make a stunning fightback on Day 3 at Lord's. Middlesex's first innings didn't last long in the morning as Collymore was out in the 4th over of the day. Middlesex were all out for 166, leaving them 172 runs behind and Surrey enforced the follow-on. Rogers & Robson knew they had a job on their hands and they didn't disappoint, and they knocked off the 172 run deficit without losing a wicket. Fantastic batting for both openers offered few opportunities for the Surrey attack, and centuries for both followed. With the partnership on 259 (breaking a 106 year record), after 73 overs at the crease Robson was out for 129. Denly was also out just before the close for 12, but Rogers (131*) and nightwatchman Finn (4*) reached the close with the score on 283-2. Middlesex will go into the fourth and final day with a lead of 111 runs.

• 04 May 2013

  Tim Murtagh took the wicket of Steven Davies in the 2nd over of the morning, without adding to his overnight score of 24. Gary Wilson joined Zander de Bruyn and the pair saw Surrey collect their third batting bonus point in the last available over for bonus points; Middlesex had to be content with their solitary bowling bonus point.
   
  The pair took Surrey to 311-5 before Toby Roland-Jones got an edge which was taken by 'keeper John Simpson to dismiss de Bruyn for 34. Paul Stirling took his first LV= County Championship wicket when he had Gareth Batty (4) well caught by Chris Rogers at short extra-cover.
   
  Chris Tremlett joined Wilson and the pair took Surrey to 333-7 before Corey Collymore, Tremlett caught by 'keeper John Simpson who dived in front of first slip to take the catch . Collymore then trapped Tim Linley LBW for a single before Paul Stirling wrapped things up when he had last-man Jade Dernbach again brilliantly caught by Chris Rogers who dived forward to take a one-handed catch at short extra-cover. Dernrbach failed to trouble the scorers whilst Wilson finished on 30 not out in a Surrey total of 338.
   
  Tim Murtagh had figures of 3-54 from 26 overs with Corey Collymore taking 3-72 from 23 overs, Paul Stirling 2-42 in 16 overs, Toby Roland-Jones 1-62 from 25 overs and Steve Finn 1-69 from 25 overs.
   
  Middlesex began their reply immediately after lunch and with openers Chris Rogers and Sam Robson. Rogers having made 21 was bowled by de Bruyn off an inside edge. Joe Denly joined Robson and the pair batted solidly, to take Middlesex to 72-1 before Dernbach had Joe Denly LBW for 21.
   
  Batty was brought on and with his first delivery,had Malan LBW for thirteen although the batsman clearly thought that he had hit it. Neil Dexter joined Sam Robson and the pair took Middlesex to tea on 92-3.
   
  Zander de Bruyn continued his spell after tea, and with his fifth delivery, he had Robson caught by Davies without an addition to the total. John Simpson joined Dexter and the pair added 29 runs for the fifth wicket before Jade Dernbach took the wickets of Dexter and Paul Stirling off successive deliveries. Dexter was well caught by Solanki at first slip for sixteen and Stirling was LBW for a first ball duck.
   
  Toby Roland-Jones survived the 'hat-trick' ball and batted with confidence, taking Middlesex to 137-6 before John Simpson was dismissed for 17 by Batty. Roland-Jones fell in the following over for 17 caught & bowled by Tremlett to leave the hosts on 141-8. Tim Murtagh and Steve Finn took Middlesex to 161-8 before Finn was trapped LBW by Linley off the last ball of the penultimate over as Middlesex ended the day on 161-9.

• 03 May 2013

  Surrey probably had the best of the first day of the LV= County Championship match at a sun drenched Lord's. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Surrey, after losing Graeme Smith early, battled through the day on which the scoring rate only got above two runs an over in mid-afternoon.
   
  Arun Harinath joined Burns and the pair set about the recovery with stern defence against the miserly Middlesex attack. Steve Finn conceded just nine runs off his opening spell of six overs at the Pavilion End and Tim Murtagh had figures of 1-8 from eight overs before he was replaced by Toby Roland-Jones. The Surrey pair battled through to lunch which came with the visitors on just 45-1 after thirty overs (Burns 32 not out from 106 balls).
   
  Harinarth reached his fifty off 127 balls (7 fours); that brought the Surrey total to 107-1 from 53 overs, the first time that the scoring rate exceeded two runs an over. Surrey went into tea on 144-1 with Burns 82 not out and Harinath 57 not out.
   
  Finn struck in the second over after the break when he had Arun Harinath caught at the wicket for 61. Former Worcestershire stalwart, Vikram Solanki joined Burns who reached his second LV= County Championship hundred of the season in the 77th over (off 251 balls, 10 fours) and with Solanki, took the visitors to 199-2 after 80 overs at which point, Middlesex took the new ball.
   
  Corey Collymore shared the new-ball with Murtagh and it was Collymore who got the wicket of Solanki who was caught at the wicket for 43. Zander de Bruyn joined Burns and the pair took Surrey to 234-3 in the 87th over before Burns fine effort ended when he was bowled by Tim Murtagh for 114.
   
  Steven Davies then batted confidently and took ten runs off the final over of the day, bowled by Corey Collymore, as the visitors reached 267-4 with Davies 24 not out and de Bruyn 12 not out. Tim Murtagh had figures of 2-39 from 19 overs with Steve Finn taking 1-58 in 20 overs and Corey Collymore taking   1-68 in 19 overs.

• 20 April 2013

  After Derbyshire bowled out Middlesex for 215 to gain a first innings lead of sixteen runs, the hosts proceeded to bowl Derbyshire out for just 60 in only 35 overs.

  Tim Murtagh destroyed the early Derbyshire batting before a Toby Roland-Jones' hat-trick, finished them off. After losing Sam Robson for a first ball duck, skipper Chris Rogers and Joe Denly steered Middlesex home by nine wickets with a day and 22.2 overs to spare. The win sees Middlesex at the top of the LV= County Championship table with 43 points from their opening two matches.

• 19 April 2013

  Resuming on 205-9, Derbyshire were able to add another 26 runs to their total before Murtagh took the last wicket of Groenewald half an hour into the morning session. In reply, Middlesex started well, but Rogers was then out for 16 with the score on 21-1. Denly looked in good touch when he joined Robson at the crease, and they added 51 for the 2nd wicket, when Denly was out for 34. He was swiftly followed by Malan in the next over and Dexter a couple of overs later, leaving Middlesex on 90-4 when the rain arrived. After the rain delay, Robson went on to record his third consecutive half century this season, and he and Simpson added 46 for the fifth wicket, when Robson was finally out for 68. Simpson followed in the next over, and with the score on 140-6 it looked like it might be Derbyshire's day. However, Berg and Rayner batted through to stumps and Middlesex will go into day 3 on 180-6 trailing by 51 runs.

• 18 April 2013

  As cricket returned to Lord's Ground for the first time in 2013, Middlesex won the toss and elected to field in this LV= County Championship match against Derbyshire. Madsen was out early as he was run out for a duck after a mix up with Godleman at the other end. However, he was the only wicket to fall in the morning as Derbyshire went into lunch on 59-1. Despite few wickets falling, it was slow going for the batsmen as tea came with them on 132-3. The Middlesex bowlers took control in the evening session, as Steven Finn struck three times in relatively quick succession, and three more fell before stumps. Derbyshire will go into Day 2 on 205-9 (Finn 4-36).

• 14 April 2013

  On the final morning of the LV= County Championship match at Trent Bridge, Middlesex got off to the perfect start when Toby Roland-Jones had Andre Adams caught at second slip by Ollie Rayner off the first ball of the day. Nottinghamshire were 182 all out and that left Middlesex a minimum of 93 overs to score the 108 runs needed for victory in bright sunny conditions but with rain forecast for early afternoon. Toby Roland-Jones finished with figures of 2-75 from 15.1 overs (8-138 in the match); Tim Murtagh took 2-49 in 15 overs, Gareth Berg 1-12 in 5 overs, Neil Dexter 5-27 in 9 overs and Ollie Rayner 0-8 in 3 overs.
   
  Chris Rogers and Sam Robson began positively and Middlesex reached 40-0 after just seven overs. Andre Adams replaced Shahzad at the Pavilion end in a last effort to get a breakthrough.  Andy Carter replaced Luke Fletcher and only three singles were scored in the next four overs before eight runs came from Carter's third over. With Sam Robson taking ten runs off the following over, bowled by Adams, the match was virtually decided. Samit Patel then came on to try his left-arm spin with Carter switching to the Pavilion end.
   
  Chris Rogers brought up his fifty off just 52 balls (7 fours) in the 21st over and with it, the hundred partnership. Robson reached an 84 ball fifty with his 7th four and finished things off with a cover driven four to complete a comprehensive ten wicket win for Middlesex, twenty minutes before lunch. Chris Rogers was 51 not out with Sam Robson 55 not out.
  Middlesex picked up 23 points for this match.

• 13 April 2013

  Middlesex resumed on 297-6, leading Notts in the first innings by 19 runs with John Simpson 77* and Ollie Rayner 0* at the crease. A further 23 runs were added before Rayner fell to Shahzad. Harris, Roland-Jones and Murtagh all fell for 33 runs to leave Simpson stranded on 97* and Middlesex 353 all out, a first innings lead of 75 runs. Harris was off the field due to a hamstring twinge and Murtagh and Roland-Jones took the new ball. Murtagh bowled Cowans in the 3rd over and Lumb was trapped LBW by Roland-Jones in the next to leave Notts 6-2. Hales and Taylor added 47 for the 3rd wicket before Hales edged Berg behind for 32. Dexter was given the ball, and quickly removed Patel. A further 7 runs were added before Dexter removed Taylor, Wessells and Read in the same over, leaving the hosts on 68-7, still trailing Middlesex by 8 runs. Andre Adams batted positively with Shahzad and the pair added a quick 25 runs before Shahzad fell to Dexter, to give him his first 5 wicket haul of his career. Adams and Fletcher continued to take the attack to Middlesex sharing a 9th wicket partnership of 89 runs. Fletcher fell to Murtagh on 47 just before the players left the field for bad light. Notts will resume on 182-9, a lead of 107.

• 12 April 2013

  Resuming on 12-0, Middlesex's openers gave the side a good start putting 106 runs on for the 1st wicket. Rogers was the first to reach 50, passing 19,000 first class runs in the process. Rogers was out for 50, followed in the next over by Denly. Robson reached his 50 as Middlesex went into lunch 122-2. Three wickets fell after lunch as Malan, Dexter & Robson (76) were dismissed, and half an hour before tea, Middlesex were 175-5, 103 runs behind Nottinghamshire. Simpson & Berg, however, then had a fantastic 6th wicket partnership of 116 runs in 31 overs. Berg was the 6th wicket to fall just before the close, to the 2nd new ball. Middlesex will resume on Day 3 on 297-6 with a lead of 19 - Simpson 77* and Rayner 0*.

• 11 April 2013

  On the first day of the 2013 LV= County Championship season Toby Roland-Jones had career best figures of 6-63 as Middlesex fought back strongly on the opening day at Trent Bridge. Middlesex won the toss and elected to bowl first. Notts made a good start and put on 51 before Roland-Jones struck with consecutive balls dismissing first Hales for 20 & then Lumb for 0. Roland-Jones then took at further two wickets after lunch (Cowans for 61 & Patel for 36), as Notts went into tea on 189-4. The evening session was all Middlesex's however, as Notts went from 204-4 to 278 all out (Roland-Jones 6-63, Murtagh 2-86, Dexter 1-20). This left Middlesex's openers with two overs to bat before stumps, which they did without mishap. Middlesex will go into day two 12 without loss.

• 08 September 2012

  Middlesex wrapped up their 2012 County Championship camoaign with a brilliant and exciting victory over Lancashire by a margin of 109 runs,

  Middlesex applied the pressure to Lancashire by posting a secind innings total of 309 -9 before declaring and setting Lancashire anunlikey target of 305 to win in the remaining 39 overs of the match.

  Surrey's victory over Nottinghamshire at the Oval in the middle of the afternoon left Lancashire needing to reach the victory target to remain in the Division. Anything other than a win would see the 2011 champions relegated to Division Two.

  This provided an entertaining final 2 1/2 hours of the match as Lancashire tried in vein to push towards victory.

  Steven Crook and Ravi Patel put paid to Lancs efforts with Crook claiming career best figures of 5-48 and Patel adding another 4 wickets to the 4 he took in the first inings to finish with match figures of 8- 198.

  Middlesex's victory saw them climb to 2nd in the table, having to wait on the final weeks results to confirm their final league position.

• 07 September 2012

  Lancashire resumed on 236-3, 210 runs behind Middlesex on day of this LV= CC division one clash. Prince & Brown added just 30 runs in the first hour of the day, before Toby Roland-Jones got Prince caught by Malan. He ten quicky dismissed Croft to bring Cross to the crease, with Lancs still trailing by 176 runs. 80 runs were needed from 13 overs to secure a 4th bonus points and Cross set about getting them quickly. He bought his 50 up off just 30 balls, and when just 3 more runs were needed with 4 balls of the 110th over left, he edged behind of Berg, making 57 off 55 balls. That wicket gave Middlesex their 2nd bowling bonus point. ancs did make the 350 inside the over, giving them 7 much needed bonus points for the match.

  Brown continued to bat sensibly, bringing up his 50 off 133 deliveries and alongside skipper Chapple took Lancashire's total to 426 before the latter was stumped by Simpson off the bowling of Patel. Shahzad quicky followed to give Patel his 4th wicket of the innings, before Berg bowled Brown for 78 (off 266 balls) to leave the visitors 448 - a lead of just 2 runs.

  Robson went early LBW to Chapple for 3 and Denly and Rogers took the score to 44 before Denly was bowled by Shazad. Rogers bought up his 9th fify plus score of the season off 70 balls and alongside Malan took Middlesex to 129-2 at the close, leading by 127 runs. Rogers (57*) and Malan (37*).

• 06 September 2012

  Middlesex resumed on Day 2 at Lord's on 389-6. Dexter was soon out for a fantastic 125, and then Crook (66) & Roland-Jones took Middlesex over the 400 mark and full batting points. Middlesex were eventually all out for 446. In reply, Procter (30) and Smith (55) got off to a solid start, but were then both out on 95. Prince & Horton then steadied the ship and added 130 for the 3rd wicket. Horton was then out before the close for 64. Prince 57* and Brown 5* then saw the visitors through till stumps & they will resume on 236-3 on Day 3.

• 05 September 2012

  Lancashire won the toss at Lord's and put Middlesex into bat. After a rocky start, which saw them 39-3, Middlesex made a fantastic recovery thanks to a century from Neil Dexter. Robson (49) and Dexter started the recovery, but Robson was unfortunately out just before lunch. Simpson (29) then helped Dexter add 62 runs for the 5th wicket, but it was the 148 run partnership with Berg for the 6th wicket, which really saw Middlesex recover. After Berg was out for 83, Dexter (123*) and Crook (45*) then saw Middlesex through to the close, and will resume on 389-6 on Day 2 of this LV=County Championship match.

• 01 September 2012

  Worcestershire began the final day on 44-3, leading Middlesex by 61 runs. Toby Roland-Jones soon took his 8th wicket of the match when he dismissed Pardoe. Patel bowled night watchman Russell for 22, leaving Worcestershire 95-5. Roland-Jones bowled Pinner for 2 and when he had Leach caught by Denly, he  collected his 10th wicket of the match and career best figures. Worcestershire were 106-7, leading by 123. Crook then trapped Cox LBW for 12 with the score on 143.

  Kerveze and Andrew added 37 vital runs in 15 overs until Berg took a fabulous catch on the boundary to dismisss Andrew for 26. Alan Richardson was then run out for 0 to leave the hosts 186 all out. Middlesex required  205 runs to win in 47 overs.

  In reply Rogers passed 1000 Championship runs for the season, only the 2nd player this season to do so, then was immediately LBW to Richardson. Denly and Robson put on 77 for the 2nd wicket, before Robson went for 35. Denly soon followed for 48. Crook was pushed up the order and he and Malan batted well to keep Middlesex up with the run rate required. They had put on 50 before Malan was caught by Hughes off the bowling of Ali, leaving Middlesex 52 to win from 10 overs. Crook fell for 30, 20 runs later which bought Dexter to the crease to join Berg. The pair saw Middlesex through to the required target with 5.1 overs to spare. Berg finished 26* and Dexter 15*.

  Middlesex collected 22 points from the match which secures their place in Division One for the 2013 season, Toby Roalnd-Jones recorded career best match figures of 10-118.

• 31 August 2012

  Middlesex began day 3 on 49-0, after Worcs had made 323 in their first innings. Worcestershire's Alan Richardson continued his good form by removing skipper Rogers in the 5th over then quickly doing the same to Denly & Malan, leaving Middlesex on 61-3. Neil Dexter joined Sam Robson at the crease and this pair put together a much needed partnership of 106 before Robson was caught at short leg for 72. Rossington was LBW for 6 which bought Berg to the crease with Worcestershire stil leading by 142 runs.

  Dexter and Berg's partnership of 60 reduced that defecit to 82 when Berg departed for 30. Dexter looked set for a 2nd century in as many matches until he was bowled by Richardson for 90. The new ball was then taken and Roland-Jones was bowled by Richardson leaving Middlesex still 58 runs behind. Crook added 22 of 36 balls before being bowled by Russell. Murtagh and young spinner Patel then added 25 runs for the last wicket before Murtagh was caught & bowled to leave Middlesex 306 all out, a 3rd all important bonus point was gained and the lead was just 17 runs.

  Toby Roland-Jones trapped Hughes LBW with his first ball and Murtagh soon followed suit to dismiss Mitchell leaving the hosts on 6-2 in the 3rd over. Ali and Pardoe then batted sensibly and put on 38 before Ali was caught by Rossington off the bowling of Roland-Jones to leave Worcs 44-3 at the close, a lead of 61 runs.

• 30 August 2012

  Little play was possible on Day 2 and at 4.30pm, Worcestershire resumed on 295-8. They picked up their 3rd batting point as they passed 300, but Toby Roland-Jones soon collected the 9th wicket, his 5th of the innings. Murtagh then bowled Richardson after he made a quick fire 18 to end the Worcestershire innings on 323, Captain Mitchell carried his bat and finished 133 not out.

  Rogers and Robson opened up for Middlesex in tricky conditions. After 13 overs the rain arrived once again and the players left the field. Middlesex closed on 49-0 with Robson 27* and Rogers, who passed 1000 runs for the season on 17*.

• 29 August 2012

  Middlesex won the toss at New Road and put Worcestershire into bat first. Thanks to a steady unbeaten century from captain Mitchell, the match is evenly balanced going into the 2nd day. Phil Hughes started off well, peppering the ground with shots in an exciting first 7 overs. However, once he was out for 34, Worcestershire also lost Pardoe & Ali cheaply, leaving them on 52-3. Kervezee joined Mitchell at the crease and they added 114 runs for the 4th wicket, with Kervezee out for 55 before tea. He was shortly followed by Pinner & they went into tea on 181-5. Another 3 wickets fell in the evening session, & Worcestershire will resume on day 2 on 295-8 with Mitchell 129* & Russell 8*. Roland-Jones was the pick of the Middlesex bowlers with 4-67.

• 25 August 2012

  Rain and bad light stopped Middlesex from potentially turning this match from a draw into a win. Middlesex resumed on 351-5 with a lead of 305 runs. Dawid Malan fell early affter making a fantastic 140. Middlesex batted on adding to their total and were finally all out for 412 (Berg 78), leaving Warwickshire needing 367 to win off a minimum of 82 overs.

  Warwickshire made a bad start and lost three wickets, including both openers early, going into lunch on 30-3. Just before the rain came in the afternoon session they lost their 5th wicket on 86-5. Coming out after the rain break they were left with 32 overs to bat. Middlesex took a further two wickets, but it wasn't to be as bad light stopped play with Warwickshire 152-7, and the match was drawn. Ravi Patel (3-60) and Roland-Jones (2-22) were the pick of the bowlers.

• 24 August 2012

  Warwickshire started Day 3 at Edgbaston on 293-8 with a 6 run lead. The tail-enders frustrated the Middlesex bowlers somewhat, but Warwickshire were finally all out for 33 with a lead of 46 runs (Murtagh 3-68, Roland-Jones 3-96, Dexter 2-30).

  Middlesex looked like they were in trouble when both Robson & Denly went early leaving them on 25-2, but then Malan joined Rogers at the crease and they steadied the ship. The two batsmen looked in fine form as they started pushing Middlesex into a healthy lead & it wasn't until after tea that Warwickshire made another breakthrough, with Rogers being dismissed for an impressive 109. He and Malan had put on 203 for the 3rd wicket (228-3). Middlesex then lost Dexter & Rossington, but Malan was joined by Berg & they batted through to stumps. Middlesex ended the day on 351-5 with a lead of 305 & Malan on a fantastic 138* & Berg 53*.

• 23 August 2012

  Warwickshire resumed on 21-0 on Day 2, and it was definitely their morning as the opening pair batted throughout & went into lunch on 126-0. Berg made the breakthrough after lunch at the beginning of the 46th over dismissing Chopra for 56 with a fine catch by Robson. Half an hour later & Patel took the wicket of Porterfield - his first ever in the County Championship. And at tea, Warwickshire were 236-3 with Westwood finally being dismissed by Dexter for 120. If it was Warwickshire's morning it was definitely Middlesex's evening as, after taking the new ball, wickets started to tumble. Just before they were taken off for rain Troughton was out for 50 off the bowling of Murtagh. Warwickshire will go into day 3 on 293-8 with a lead of only 6 runs (Roland-Jones took 3 wickets & Dexter 2).

• 22 August 2012

  Warwickshire won the toss at Edgbaston and chose to bowl first. Robson got off to a flying start, batting not unlike a one-day game. Rogers went early and was quickly followed by Denly and then Malan. With the score on 48-3 Dexter and Robson came together and hit some superb shots for their 73 run partnership in 11 overs. Robson was out just before lunch for 60 (126-4). After lunch Dexter continued to score boundaries and he & Rossington (29) put on 85 for the next wicket. When Rossington went Berg quickly followed & Middlesex were 229-6. Dexter's first century of the season came just before tea. But he (101), Crook and Roland-Jones were out just after tea and despite Murtagh & Patel putting on 19 for the last wicket Middlesex were all out for 287. In reply, Warwickshire were 21 without loss after 5 overs before the dark clouds rolled in and no more play was possible.

• 19 August 2012

  Middlesex began the final day on 45-1, chasing a total of 254 runs to win. Sam Robson went sixth ball of the day when Jason Roy caught him at slip off Murali Kartik's bowling without adding to his overnight score of 22. Night-watchman Tom Smith also went without a run being added to the Middlesex overnight score.
   
   Dawid Malan joined Joe Denly at the wicket and the pair had to battle hard & added 43 in seventeen overs before Joe Denly was LBW to Batty for twelve. When Neil Dexter (2) was caught by Kartik at leg-slip in Batty's next over, Middlesex were reduced to 92-5.
   
   Andrew Balbirnie scored three singles off 20 balls before he was LBW to Kartik. Adam Rossington joined Dawid Malan with the score on 100-6 but Malan fell in the following over when Jason Roy took a brilliant diving one-handed catch at slip off Gareth Batty's bowling to dismiss Malan for 33.
   
   Steven Crook came to the wicket with 35 minutes remaining before lunch and decided that attack was the best form of defence At lunch Crook was 35 not out with Rossington 6 not out in a Middlesex total of 142-7. Kartik and Batty continued to bowl after lunch and the pair took Middlesex to 184-7 before Gareth Batty rested himself and brought on Jade Dernbach at the Pavilion End who got the breakthrough when he bowled Steven Crook with a slow full-toss, Crook having made 68 off 88 balls (1 six & 9 fours). When Adam Rossington was caught at slip by Jason Roy off Murali Kartik for a valiant innings of 25, Middlesex were 197-9.
   
   However, the Middlesex last wicket pair of Toby Roland-Jones and Tim Murtagh applied themselves to the task with solid defence and pushing singles to keep the scoreboard ticking over.  The tea interval was put back by half-an-hour with a result in prospect . When the pair had got Middlesex within 8 runs of victory Toby Roland-Jones was LBW to Gareth Batty for 17 off 85 balls. Tim Murtagh was 25 not out (off 91 balls).

  This result sees Middlesex lying 5th in the table with 119 points

• 18 August 2012

  Surrey cleared the arrears of two in the first over of the day and both Harinath & Burns batted well to see off the opening spells from Tim Murtagh and Toby Roland-Jones. Burns was first to his hundred (off 192 balls, 12 fours) with Harinath reaching his hundred in the penultimate over before lunch (off 178 balls, 9 fours). The pair were still together at lunch with Surrey on 210-1 after 65 overs, Burns was 100 not out and Harinath 101 not out.
   
  Crook got the wicket of Harinath for 109 caught brilliantly by Chris Rogers, at second slip. De Bruyn joined Burns and the pair took Surrey to 251-2. Roland-Jones struck with his fourth delivery with the new ball and again in his following over when he found the edge of Zander de Bruyn's bat. Toby Roland-Jones struck for the third time in as many overs as he trapped Hamilton-Brown LBW for two to leave Surrey on 278-5. Steven Crook replaced Tim Murtagh & struck in his first over when he had Jason Roy LBW for seventeen.Surrey skipper, Gareth Batty joined Davies and the pair saw the hosts to 303-6 at tea, a lead of 215 runs. After tea Roland-Jones struck again in his opening over when he bowled Batty for three. Davies and Murali Kartik took the score to 318-7 before Steven Crook had Kartik LBW for two. 
   
   Tim Murtagh had Davies caught by Crook at deep mid-on for 44 &  Tom Smith got the last wicket in the following over when Jade Dernbach was caught by Joe Denly at cover for a duck as Surrey were 341 all-out.
    
  Fourteen overs remained for Middlesex openers Chris Rogers and Sam Robson to face before the close of play and Middlesex were left needing 254 runs to win in a minimum of 110 overs. Sam Robson had outscored Rogers by one run as Middlesex reached 43-0 in the 12th over before Chris Rogers was adjudged LBW by umpire Nigel Cowley off Gareth Batty's bowling, much to Rogers' annoyance, for 19. Tom Smith again came in as a night-watchman, with thirteen balls remaining. He and Robson survived until the close of play on 45-1 leaving Middlesex needing a further 209 runs to win on a turning wicket.

• 17 August 2012

  Murali Kartik's first 5-fer for Surrey brought them back into the match on Day 2. After a rain delayed start, Middlesex resumed on 98-1, and lost Robson off the fourth ball of the day without a run being added. Middlesex then passed Surrey's first innings total still 3 wickets down & then when nightwatchman Smith (31) was the 4th man out, they led by 20 runs. The Middlesex line up then collapsed with the next 5 wickets adding just 24 runs. Murtagh (26) and Roland-Jones (17*) then kept the tail wagging & added a further 44 runs for the final wicket. Middlesex were all out for 232 with a lead of 88.

  In reply, Surrey lost Ansari early for 0, but that was the only success for the Middlesex bowlers. At stumps Surrey were 86-1 with Burns 40* & Harinath 39*.

• 16 August 2012

  Surrey won the toss and chose to bat first at the Kia Oval. Middlesex took control on Day 1 with early wickets falling. Apart from 55 from Jason Roy and an 8th wicket partnership of 41 between him and Kartik, Surrey were unable to put up much defence and were all out for 144, with Murtagh taking 5-37 and Roland-Jones 3-38. Adam Rossington & Andrew Balbirnie made their LV=CC debuts for Middlesex. In reply, Rogers & Robson got off to a good start. Rogers was unfortunately out just before the close after making 56. Middlesex will resume on day 2 on 98-1.

• 13 August 2012

  Middlesex began day 3 of this LV= County Championship match 95-2, 25 runs behind Sussex with Sam Robson and Toby Roland-Jones at the crease. Night watchman Roland-Jones fell for 20, with the defecit still 6 runs. When Robson fell for 30 Middlesex's lead was just 6 runs. Malan was well caught at short leg with Middlesex on 148, leading by 31 runs.

  Simpson and Berg both fell quickly to Khan and 4 wickets had fallen for 23 runs in 6 overs. Dexter & Rayner at the crease saw Middlesex to the lunch break with the score on 177-7, leading by 60 runs. The pair added a further 20 runs before Rayner was caught by Brown off the bowling of Khan. Dexter battled hard, but was eventually caught for 40 by wicket keeper Brown, his 6th catch of the innings,wth the score on 208. The last pair of Murtagh and Collymore added a further 3 runs before Murtagh was bowled and Middlesex's innings was over, all out for 211. Sussex required 95 runs to win.

  Joyce and Nash opened the innings, and Murtagh struck early having Nash caught by Dexter for 5 in the 5th over. Joyce and Wells batted steadily and took the score to 67 before Joyce was brilliantly caught & bowled by Rayner. The target score of 95 was reached in the 26th over, with Wells 29* and Goodwin 19*, Sussex winning the match by 8 wickets.

• 12 August 2012

  Middlesex fought back on Day 2 after Sussex resumed on 106-3. It was Joyce (68) and Yardy (89) who posed the biggest problem for Middlesex. Joyce was out in the 18th over of the day and when Wright followed soon after, Sussex were 182-5 at lunch. Sussex were then finally out for 287 with a lead of 117 runs. Toby Roland-Jones taking his best figures of 6-66. In reply, Rogers & Robson got off to a good start, but both Rogers & Denly were out to Panesar before the close. Middlesex will resume on day 3 on 92-2 trailing by 25 runs.

• 11 August 2012

  Sussex won the toss down at Hove and elected to bowl first. The bowlers didn't make it easy for the Middlesex batsmen and at lunch Middlesex were struggling on 65-6. Rayner & Berg then added 54 for the 7th wicket. Murtagh (34) was Middlesex's top scorer when they were all out for 170 (Khan 5-25). In reply, Joyce was dropped early off Murtagh, which proved costly as he was still not out at the close on 49. Sussex will resume on day 2 on 106-3, trailing by 64 runs.

• 05 August 2012

  A heavy rain shower early on day four killed off any chance of a result in the Division One County Championship encounter between Middlesex and Warwickshire at Uxbridge. Play eventually got under way at 1.45pm after the ground had been mopped up, with Middlesex looking to put runs on the board quickly to set up a run chase target for the visitors. Having reached 181 for 6, with a lead of 259 on the board, Middlesex declared and set Warwickshire a target of 260 off 40 overs. Sadly the league leaders showed no intent to pursue the target, and with their score on 78 for 1 from 27 overs, hands were shaken with thirteen overs remaining and a draw was the result.

• 04 August 2012

  Match highlights from day three of the LV= County Championship at Uxbridge, as Middlesex gained the initiative against league leaders Warwickshire.

  Chasing Middlesex's first innings total of 402, Warwickshire resumed on day three on their overnight score of 178 for 2, however were dismissed 78 runs short of parity as the visitors were bowled out for 324. Top scoring for Warwickshire was Ian Westwood with 111, and Tim Murtagh claimed the spoils with the ball for Middlesex, taking 4 for 77.

  In Middlesex's second innings, the home side started with far more intent than their opponents and reached 104 for 3 at the close to hold an overnight lead of 182 runs going into the final day.

• 03 August 2012

  Middlesex resumed their first innings on Day 2 at Uxbridge CC on 324-7, but two quick wickets in the morning left them on 330-9 with Crook & Murtagh at the crease, and Warwickshire expecting to wrap up the innings. However, these two had different plans and added 72 runs for the last wicket, with birthday boy Murtagh left not out on 36 after Crook was out for 30 caught off the bowling of Wright. Middlesex were all out for 402.

  In reply, Warwickshire didn't get off to the best of starts and were 26 for 2 in the 13th over of their innings, Murtagh taking both wickets (2-40). However, that was the last wicket of the day and at stumps Warwickshire were 178-2 with Westwood 89* and Troughton 60*.

• 02 August 2012

  After winning the toss at Uxbridge Cricket Club, Warwickshire chose to field first in this LV= County Championship match. Middlesex made a solid start with Rogers & Denly making 41 in the first 11 overs before Rogers was out. Dexter (26) was then out just before lunch with the score on 97-2. The afternoon session was then Middlesex's as Malan joined Denly at the crease, and added 135 runs for the 3rd wicket; Denly just missing out on a century as he was out for 95. Malan then went on to score his first first-class century of the season with a splendid know. However, when he was out for 106 with the score on 285-4, Middlesex then lost Simpson, Berg & then Morgan with just 5 runs being added to the board. Warwickshire's bowlers however were unable to remove Rayner & Roland-Jones in the last half hour & so Middlesex will resume on Day 2 on 324-7 with Rayner 16* and Roland-Jones 13*.

• 30 July 2012

  Needing a further sixty runs on an unreliable wicket to beat Durham with five second innings wickets intact, Middlesex slipped to a fifteen run defeat when they were all-out thirty minutes before lunch.

  Middlesex lost a wicket without adding to their overnight score when John Simpson got an inside edge to an Onions' delivery and keeper Richardson took a fine diving catch down the leg-side to dismiss Simpson for ten.Gareth Berg joined Roland-Jones and they added thirteen runs for the seventh wicket before Berg (5) chased a wide delivery from Rushworth to reduce Middlesex to 71-7.

  Roland-Jones was looking very solid and alongside Rayner took Middlesex to 98-7 before Roland-Jones' fine innings of 34 ended when he was caught at the wicket off Onions' bowling. Rayner was out in the next over when he was bowled by Ben Stokes for eleven and last man Steve Finn joined Tim Murtagh at the wicket with twenty runs needed. Four runs were added to the score with Finn offering sound support in surviving twelve balls before Murtagh was caught at the wicket for three off Stokes' bowling as Middlesex were 102 all out.

• 29 July 2012

  18 wickets fell on the 2nd Day against Durham leaving the outcome hanging in the balance after a late fight back from Durham, as we go into Day 3. Middlesex resumed their first innings on 144-7. Murtagh & Berg added 33 runs for the 8th wicket before Berg was out for 37. Murtagh was then out a few overs later for a valuable 25, and once Finn was dismissed Middlesex were all out for 185 leading by 83 runs.

  In reply, Durham needed a good start but lost their first three with 32 on the board. With the score on 119-7 the rain descended,  and when play resumed Borthwick (41*) and Thorp (36) added a valuable 60 runs for the 8th wicket. Durham were finally all out for 200, leaving Middlesex needing 118 to win. Finn took 4-80 & Murtagh 3-41.

  It couldn't have started more wrong for Middlesex as they lost Robson & Rogers without a score on the board. With the score on 38-5 it looked like Durham might do it, but Simpson (10*) and Roland-Jones (15*) managed to see out the last 25 minutes of the day. Middlesex will resume on the 3rd day on 58-5 needing 60 more runs to win.

• 28 July 2012

  The best of the action, as Middlesex took control of this Division One LV= County Championship clash early on day one, dismissing the home side for just 102 inside 42 overs, with Michael Richardson top scoring for Durham with just 22. Berg and Murtagh claimes three wickets apiece, whilst Steven Finn claimed two scalps. Middlesex started their reply well and had reached 63 for 1 at tea before Durham wrestled the initiaitve back towards the end of the day, finishing the day with seven Middlesex batsmen back in the pavilion. The visitors had reached 144 for 7 at the close, wtih Captain Chris Rogers top scoring for Middlesex with 59. The visitors lead by 42 runs going into day two.

• 14 July 2012

  Middlesex fought back strongly on Day 3 at Uxbridge, with a fantastic undefeated century from Andrew Strauss. Middlesex started their 2nd innings on Day 3 trailing Nottinghamshire by 231 runs. Despite a few chances for Notts early on, Strauss & Robson managed to reach 55 before the loss of Robson for 26. Rogers then joined Strauss and they kept the momentum, seeing Middlesex through till lunch. They ended up adding 143 for the 2nd wicket when Rogers was out for 59. Strauss (127*) and Denly (15*) then saw Middlesex through till tea, which due to a heavy rain shower was also stumps on Day 3. Middlesex will resume on the 4th on final day on 239-2 leading Notts by 8 runs.

• 13 July 2012

  Nottinghamshire continued to dominate on the 2nd day at Uxbridge but the rain meant that only 57 overs were possible with no play at all after tea. Nottinghamshire resumed their first innings on 114-4 and Voges (105) and Lumb (50) started to add to the total. Lumb fell in the morning with the score on 145 giving Tim Murtagh his 400th First Class wicket. Voges was then joined by captain Read, who added 143 runs for the 6th wicket. When Read was out for 71 with the score on 288-6, the Nottinghamshire innings subsided slightly and they were all out for 329, with a lead of 231 runs. Tea was then taken and the rain decended, which meant no further play was possible. Tim Murtagh (4-87) and Toby Roland-Jones (4-102) were the pick of the Middlesex bowlers.

• 12 July 2012

  It was not a toss you wanted to lose on Day 1 of this match at Uxbridge, and Nottinghamshire won the toss and chose to bowl first. Middlesex welcomed back Andrew Strauss into the side, and apart from a patient 50 from him, Gareth Berg was the only other to reach double figures with 32, as Middlesex were bowled out for just 98. Andre Adams took 6 for 32. Nottinghamshire were definitely in control of the match, and at stumps on Day 1 were 114-4 in reply, leading by 16 runs.

• 09 June 2012

  After rain delayed the start of the final day of the LV= County Championship match against Somerset at Lord's, Middlesex declared on their overnight score of 364-3 and sacrificed the opportunity of gaining a fifth batting bonus. That meant the home side had a lead of 191 runs and were left with a minimum of 76 overs to bowl Somerset out.
  
  Middlesex got off to a flying start by removing both openers in the space of three overs. Barrow was first to go LBW to Collymore and Sappiah to Murtagh, who was having to battle against the gale force wind when bowling from the Nursery End, reducing Somerset to 4-2. Nick Compton was joined by James Hildreth and the pair survived the remaining nine overs to go into lunch on 38-2. Murtagh was forced to cutting back his run-up whilst bowling into the gale-force wind.
  
  In the strong wind, Middlesex rotated the bowling from the Nursery End but it was Toby Roland-Jones who got the third & fourth wickets to reduce Somerset to 90-4 with 49 overs remaining.Berg removed Buttler and Compton was joined by Trego and they took Somerset to tea at 123-5, still 68 runs behind Middlesex.
  
  A minimum of 35 overs remained for Somerset to survive after tea, but Trego played positively before another shower of rain resulted in the loss of ten minutes playing time and only 3.5 overs plus the final hour remained when play resumed with Somerset on 175-5.
  
  Tim Murtagh gave Middlesex further hope when he struck twice in the 54th over when Trego was bowled, playing an expansive drive, for exactly fifty and Craig Overton bagged a 'pair' when he was caught at the wicket for a fourth ball duck.
  
  Alfonso Thomas joined Compton with Somerset still needing a further sixteen runs to avoid an innings defeat. A further seven runs were scored in the following two overs before the last hour began. Thomas played aggressively but the odd ball went off the edge of the bat between the slip cordon and gully. However, with Compton playing straight, the pair took Somerset to 227-7 when play was halted with 19 balls of the final hour remaining and a draw agreed.
  
  Tim Murtagh had figures of 3-36 from 14 overs, Toby Roland-Jones 2-74 from 17 overs with Gareth Berg taking 1-43 from 15 overs and Corry Collymore 1-47 from 13 overs.

• 08 June 2012

  Only 18 overs were possible on the 3rd day of this LV= County Championship match at Lord's due to the weather. Middlesex resumed on 321-2 and when rain stopped play for the rest of the day they were 364-3, leading Somerset by 191 runs, with Denly still in on 116 and Morgan on 2*. Malan was the only wicket to fall in the morning for 51.

• 07 June 2012

  Somerset resumed on 130-4 on Day 2, and it was the Middlesex bowlers who got off to a fantastic start, taking 4 wickets in the first 10 deliveries of the day, leaving Somerset realing on 133-8. Trego & Dockerell then added 31 runs in the next hour, but Somerset were soon all out for 173 (Murtagh 3-42, Roland-Jones 3-47, Berg 3-59). Rogers & Robson then put on an opening stand of 40 for Middlesex before Robson was gone for 9. However, once Rogers was joined by Denly the rest of the day was very much a one-sided affair as they piled on the runs with some fantastic shots, and a 2nd wicket stand of 245 runs in just 52 overs. Rogers was finally out for a superb 173, but it didn't end there as Malan was quickly into his stride. Middlesex ended the day on 321-2 with Denly (105*) just getting his century before the close & Malan 24*.

• 06 June 2012

  Middlesex won the toss and elected to field first for the match at Lord's, and it seemed like a good decision when Somerset found themselves on 1-2 in the 3rd over of the day. Hildreth then joined Suppiah at the crease and the two added 44 for the 3rd wicket. Kieswetter then joined Hildreth and they both played positively after the lunch break, adding 80 runs before Hildreth was out for 58. The rain arrived soon after and no more play was possible. Somerset closed the day on 130-4 with Kieswetter 48* & Buttler 0*. Murtagh, Collymore, Roland-Jones and Berg all had a wicket each for Middlesex.

• 03 June 2012

  Sussex resumed their 2nd innings on the final day on 34-1, still requiring 174 runs to make Middlesex bat again. It was Middlesex's morning however, as 5 wickets fell, leaving Sussex on 101-6 at lunch. Ben Brown (53) and Naved Arif Gondal (15) then had an important 63 run partnership for the 7th wicket, which used up 25 overs. Sussex were finally all out for 225, leaving Middlesex needing only 17 runs to win the match, which they knocked off in just 23 balls. Middlesex won by 10 wickets, they're 3rd LV=CC win of the season. Gareth Berg (3-53) and Steven Finn (3-66) were the pick of the Middlesex bowlers.

• 02 June 2012

  Middlesex dominated the third day's play of the LV=CountyChampionship match against Sussex at Lord's. After losing both Rogers for 98 and Morgan for 71 the Middlesex lower order blossomed, adding a further 208 runs for the remaining five wickets. Middlesex were eventually bowled out for 491 (gaining 4 batting bonus points) which meant they had a first innings lead of 208. Rayner (69) Berg (45) and a first, 1st class fifty for Toby Roland Jones (52) were the main contributors in the lower order.

  21 overs remained when Sussex began their second innings. Ed Joyce and Chris Nash put on 27 runs for the first wicket before Ed Joyce carved a Finn delivery straight to the gully where Gareth Berg took a superb diving catch to dismiss Joyce for eight. In fading light, Joe Gatting and Nash took the visitors to 34-1 after 9.1 overs before the umpires brought the players off the field due to bad light.

• 01 June 2012

  Sussex resumed one 242-8 on Day 2, and it took Middlesex just over an hour to get the final two wickets, with Murtagh taking a 5-fer (5-55), Finn 3-76 & Berg 2-62. After losing Robson early for a duck, Middlesex then took a firm grip on proceedings with both Rogers and Denly going to their 50s, and adding 145 runs for the 2nd wicket. Denly was then out for 67, and Malan fell shortly after for 1. It was then Morgan's turn to join Rogers at the crease, and they continued to bat until bad light stopped play with Middlesex well placed going into the 3rd day on 229-3, with Rogers 93* and Morgan 52*.

• 31 May 2012

  Sussex won the toss and chose to bat in this LV=CC match at Lord's. However, it was Middlesex who got off to a fantastic start with Nash out 2nd ball of the innings. 3 more quick wickets fell and Sussex were struggling on 33-4 in the 16th over. Sussex then lost a 5th wicket before lunch, with the score on 66-5. Joyce was then joined by Brown and between them they added 81 for the 6th wicket before Joyce fell for 81. Following a short rain break in the evening session, Middlesex took a further 2 wickets including that of Brown for 70, so Sussex will resume on Day 2 on 242-8. Tim Murtagh took 4 wickets in the day, Finn 3 and Berg 1.

• 27 May 2012

  A fantastic batting display by Middlesex's top 3 batsmen comfortably earned Middlesex the draw at Aigburth, Liverpool. Chris Rogers batted throughout the day and finished with a brilliant 138*. He lost his opening partner Robson (50) 10 minutes before lunch with the score on 104. The pitch however was offering the Lancashire bowlers very little and he and Denly (61*) were both there an hour before the close, when the captains agreed to call the match a draw, with Middlesex 265-1.

• 26 May 2012

  Middlesex resumed on 155-5 on Day 3, still needing 88 more runs to avoid the follow on. Simpson and Dexter added 27 runs before Dexter was out for 47. He was soon followed by Simpson for 43. Middlesex were all out for 230, trailing by 162 runs, and 13 runs behind the follow-on. Lancashire however chose to bat again and didn't enforce the follow on.

  Moore fell early with the score on 31, but Horton (89) and Brown (76) made batting look easy as they added a further 130 runs for the 2nd wicket. Lancashire then looked to press on and finally declared on 266-8, with Dawid Malan taking his first 5 wicket haul (5-61). Middlesex were left with 14 overs left to bat in the day needing 429 to win. Openers Rogers (16*) and Robson (12*) saw out the day and Middlesex were 29-0 at stumps.

• 25 May 2012

  Resuming Day 2 on 276-4, Prince and Procter added a further 45 runs for the 5th wicket, as Prince finally fell for a superb 144. A further 2 wickets fell in the morning session, but Cross (41) & Chapple then added a further 35 runs for the 8th wicket. The innings then folded after that and Lancashire were all out for 392 (Murtagh 3-84, Rayner 3-88 & Berg 2-90).

  In reply, Middlesex were bowled into some trouble as Rogers was out to the 8th ball of their innings. Robson followed soon after and Middlesex were reduced to 37-2. Denly (32) and Malan (24) added 32 runs for Denly's 3rd wicket, but then Morgan and Malan followed soon after and Middlesex were in trouble on 95-5. Dexter & Simpson then had an important session and kept the Lancashire attack at bay for the rest of the day adding a further 60 runs to the total. Middlesex will resume on Day 3 on 155-5 with Dexter 33* and Simpson 28*.

• 24 May 2012

  Lancashire had the best of the opening day of the LV= County Championship match at Aigburth, Liverpool. After Middlesex reduced the hosts to 55-3, they recovered to 276-4 at the close of play with South African international Ashwell Price reaching an unbeaten hundred. After Lancashire won the toss and elected to bat first, their openers Horton and Moore struggled against the Middlesex seam attack of Murtagh and Collymore. Horton was run out for 15 and Brown went for early for just 1 run. Moore was then caught by Morgan at Long leg and Croft joined Ashwell Price at the crease and the pair saw Lancs to lunch at 70-3. Prince reached his fifty off 110 balls, 4 fours. The pair were still together at tea with the score on 164-3 after 64 overs with Prince on 64 not out and Croft 48 not out.

  The new-ball was taken after 84 overs with the score on 231-3 and Tim Murtagh got a wicket with the first delivery with the new-ball when he had Croft caught at the wicket for 78 (off 195 balls), an innings which contained only 1 four and 1 six.

  Proctor joined Prince who reached his hundred in the 88th over (off 206 balls, 8 fours). Prince showed his class in taking his score to 121 not out from a Lancashire total of 276-4 at the close of play. All of the Middlesex bowlers stuck well to their task with Tim Murtagh having figures of 2-48 from 28 overs, Corry Collymore 0-50 from 19 overs, Gareth Berg 1-68 from 19 overs, Ollie Rayner 0-53 from 20 overs, Joe Denly 0-26 from 9 overs and Neil Dexter 0-20 from 9 overs.

• 13 May 2012

  Resuming the match on day 4, Notts on 23-3 got off to the worst possible start losing Wessels to the very first delivery of the day from Steven Finn. This set thier sights firmly on batting time to ensure they secured a draw at the very least. This led to a declaration half an hour after lunch with the score on 147-7 after Michael Lumb and Stephen Mullaney had both reached thier half centuries. This meant Middlesex needed an improbable 298 to win from just 51 overs as a result openers Strauss (43*) and Robson (39*) batted time at the crease to secure a well earned draw and 8 points

• 12 May 2012

  Middlesex who began the third day needing a further 223 runs to avoid the follow-on rallied strongly thanks to a maiden LV= County Championship hundred by night-watchman Ollie Rayner.

  Rayner rescued Middlesex with an innings of 143* before Chris Rogers declared immediately after the third batting bonus point was gathered at 300-9, 123 runs in arrears (Rayner 143*, Malan 46, Denly 35). In the remaining ten overs, Middlesex took three wickets (Rayner took 2 and Finn 1) as Nottinghamshire ended the day on 22-3 leading by 145 runs (Wessells 5* and Lumb 0*). A good finish is likely with the weather set fair for the final day.

• 11 May 2012

  Nottinghamshire maintained control at Trent Bridge on Day 2, reaching maximum batting bonus points with their first innings total of 423 before reducing Middlesex to 51-3 in the remaining 22 overs. Having lost Andrew Strauss, Sam Robson and Chris Rogers, Middlesex face a battle to avoid the follow-on figure of 274. After Hales was out in the morning for 79, Notts batted solidly throughout the afternoon. Lumb was fortunate after he was dropped 3 times, the first on 86, and he made the most of making 162 in the end. Finn was the pick of the Middlesex bowlers with 4-117 and Dexter had 2-55. Middlesex are 51-3 at the close with Denly 32* and Rayner yet to get off the mark.

• 10 May 2012

  Nottinghamshire won the toss at Trent Bridge and chose to bat first. In a rain shortened day, despite an early wicket from Steven Finn coming off his first delivery, and a well disciplined bowling attack, it was a day for the Nottinghamshire batsmen as no further wickets fell. As the rain started at 2.30pm and no further play was possible in the day, Nottinghamshire closed on 132 for 1 with Hales 71* and Lumb 51*.

• 07 May 2012

  A sensational 132 run victory for Middlesex on the final day of this rain affected match was made possible after both captains agreed on a last day run chase. Worcestershire declared on their overnight score of 45-2, and Middlesex forfeited their 2nd innings, leaving Worcestershire to get 283 runs on the final day. The first wicket was lost after half an hour and the away team were soon struggling on 35 for 4. Middlesex went into lunch well on top having taken the 5th wicket just before (70-5). It was all over just before 3pm as Middlesex had Worcestershire bowled out for 150, despite a late flurry of runs by Jones (32). The wickets were shared around the Middlesex bowlers - Roland-Jones 3-29, Murtagh 3-39, Berg 2-20, Finn 2-30.

• 06 May 2012

  Middlesex started the day on 148 for 2, with Denly and Rogers at the crease. Three quick wickets fell in the morning, leaving Middlesex on 172-5. Simpson was then out after a break for the weather with the score on 210. Denly reached his maiden first-class century for Middlesex off 153 ball, as he and Berg (36) added 88 for the 7th wicket. Middlesex then declared on 327-7 with Denly 134 not out. Richardson was the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers with 5-89. Worcestershire then had just over 16 overs to bat before bad light ended the day early. Murtagh made the breakthrough for the Middlesex bowlers with the wicket of Mitchell, and Roland-Jones took a 2nd, with Worcestershire 45 for 2 at the close.

• 05 May 2012

  After no play was possible on the first day of the LV= County Championship match against Worcestershire at Lord's due to bad-light and rain, only 40.3 overs play was possible on the second day.
  
  Worcestershire won the toss and elected to bowl. The Middlesex openers Andrew Strauss and Sam Robson bought the fifty partnership up in the 15th over. The pair had put on eighty in twenty overs before Kapil replaced Jones at the Nursery End. With his second delivery, he beat Strauss's defensive push and trapped him LBW for 49 (off 73 balls, 1 six & 5 fours).
  Joe Denly joined Robson but only a further ten balls were bowled before bad light intervened after ninety minutes play and an early lunch was taken. Play was held up until 3.30pm with a total of 24 overs being lost. The total advanced to 115-1 after 27.1 overs before the umpires decided that the light was again too poor to continue. Play resumed after a fifteen minute break and a further ten runs were added before Robson was caught by Klinger at third slip for 59 to give Richardson a well deserved wicket.
  
  Skipper, Chris Rogers joined Denly and the pair taking Middlesex to 148-2 after 40.3 overs before bad light brought the players off the field. Denly was 34 not out, a total of 55 overs were lost to the weather during the day.

• 23 April 2012

  On a thrilling last day of this LV= County Championship match at Lord's, both sides can take a huge amount of credit for making the best of a match which saw a day and a half of the four days lost to bad light and rain.

  With Robson and night watchman Roland-Jones resuming the Middlesex second innings on day four at 21 for 1, trailing by 28 runs, having lost opener Andrew Strauss the night before, they needed to bat throughout the majority of the day to ensure that Durham would be starved of the time they needed to secure themselves a victory.

  Things didn't go to plan however for Middlesex, as wickets fell steadily however throughout the morning session, seeing the home side head into lunch 6 down, with only 91 runs on the board, and with a lead of only 41 runs over Durham.

  The post lunch afternoon session saw much of the same, as Rogers asnd Berg both fell in the first over after lunch to see Middlesex in deep trouble on 91 for 8.

  A vital ninth wicket partnership of 82 between Tim Murtagh and John Simpson then took Middlesex to a slightly more respectable 173 for 9, before Murtagh fell for 45 and Simpson for 47, as Middlesex were bowled out for 179.

  With Durham needing only 130 to win, they were unlucky that once again the bad light and rain came to interrupt their chase, as on 8 for 0 the players had to leave the field.

  With brighter skies and no more rain looking likely, the umpires brought the players back onto the pitch for an intriguing finish which saw Durham needing only a further 122 runs for victory from the final 16.2 overs of the match.

  In a complete turnaround of events, it was Middlesex who now grabbed the initiative, as they proceeded to knock over six Durham wickets, to leave the visitors struggling on 82 for 6 and clinging on for the draw themselves, before time ran out and the game finished in a hard fought draw.

• 22 April 2012

  Middlesex resumed their first innings on 132-5 but lost Dexter to the third ball of the day when he was caught at second slip by Di Venuto off Stokes without adding to his overnight score of 65. The total reached 188-8 before Onions wrapped the innings up by taking the wickets of Roland-Jones & Finn in quick succession. John Simpson was 25*; Onions 6-45 and Thorp 2-43.
  In reply, Durham got off to a flying start taking the score to 59-0 before Finn spectacularly bowled Di Venuto for thirty and Tim Murtagh had Smith (29) caught by Malan at second slip, in the following over. Ben Stokes joined Paul Collingwood at the wicket and the pair, eager to press on to try to make up ground lost to the weather, and the total reached 109-2 in only the 24th over of the innings. Durham were finally all out for 238 with a first innings lead of 50 (Stokes 45, Borthwick 33*) Steve Finn had figures of 3-55 from 15 overs, Gareth Berg 3-56 from 14 overs, Tim Murtagh 2-66 from 17 overs with Toby Roland-Jones taking 2-26 from 7.2 overs.
  Fifteen overs remained when Middlesex began their second innings, with Strauss and Robson opening the batting. The total reached 12-0 after eight overs before Strauss was bowled, off his pads, by Onions for six. Toby Roland-Jones came in as a night-watchman and with Robson took the score to 21-1 after 11.3 overs

• 21 April 2012

  After a first day washout, play started on time at Lord's with Andrew Strauss and Sam Robson opening the batting for Middlesex who had been put into bat by Durham on the first morning. Middlesex were reduced to 2 for 3 with Strauss, Denly and Robson all being removed. Dawid Malan & skipper Chris Rogers came together and the pair took Middlesex to 28-3 after fourteen overs in bowler friendly conditions before Rogers went for 9.

  Malan had made 25 not out and Neil Dexter 14 not out when the umpires brought the players off the field due to bad light, twenty minutes before lunch: Middlesex were 57-4 after 24 overs. Rain set in during the luncheon interval and no play was possible during the afternoon but play eventually resumed at 4.15pm with 39 overs remaining. Malan and Dexter added 55 runs for the fifth wicket before Malan fell to a good catch at the wicket by Mustard for 35 to give Onions a third wicket. Dexter reached his fifty (off 66 balls) and with solid support from Simpson, Middlesex reached 132-5 after 39.3 overs before bad light intervened again and the umpires brought the players off the field.

• 16 April 2012

  Middlesex clinched a fabulous and nailbiting victory on day 4 at Lord's to beat Surrey by 3 runs in the LV= County Championship. Surrey resumed this morning needing just 46 runs to win with 6 wickets intact. Berg took the breakthrough wicket of Maynard when Surrey needed just 40 runs to win to start the Surrey collapse. Murtagh and Roland-Jones then bowled superbly to clean up the remaining Surrey wickets in a fantastic finish to this Division One London derby.

• 16 April 2012

  Nineteen wickets fell on the third day of the LV= County Championship match against Surrey at Lord's. The wicket continued to help the seam bowlers and after Middlesex gained a first innings lead of 34 runs, they were bowled out in just 34.5 overs for 106 with only two batsmen reaching double figures.

  
  Needing 141 runs for victory, Surrey lost three wickets for 22 before Rory Hamilton-Brown led a counter attack, scoring 51 not out off only 55 balls before bad light stopped play for the day with the visitors needing a further 46 runs with six wickets intact.

• 16 April 2012

  Middlesex fought back strongly on the second day of the LV= County Championship Division One match against Surrey at Lord's. After the Middlesex last wicket pair of Dawid Malan and Corey Collymore added a further 31 runs in the morning to secure a second batting bonus point, Middlesex finished their first innings with a total of 256. Dawid Malan was the last Middlesex man out, making a fantastic 88. Surrey started well in testing conditions, and were well placed on 117 for 1 shortly after tea but lost their way in the final session, to end the day on 161-5. Murtagh bowled exceptionally well, but with no luck, and ended the day with figures of 20 overs, 8 maidens, 31 runs with no wickets. Rayner took the breakthrough wicket of Rudolf, with Collymore and Roland-Jones also taking one each, with Middlesex skipper Neil Dexter taking the wickets of Ramprakash and Maynard at the end of the day. Surrey had reached 161 for 5 at the close, to trail their hosts by 95 runs.

• 16 April 2012

  On the opening day of Middlesex's LV= County Championship Division One encounter with London rivals Surrey at Lord's, the visitors won the toss and elected to put their hosts into bat on a day which promised plenty of assistance for the bowlers. So it proved, as throughout the day the ball did plenty both in the air and off the seam, on an uncharacteristically slow and damp track at the Home of Cricket. Middlesex opener Sam Robson gutsed out the morning session to go into lunch on 40 not out, however Middlesex had lost Denly for 10 and Rogers for 20, going in to the break at 86 for 2. Rain fell throughout lunch and over an hours play was lost before the players returned to the field. Conditions had worsened and Robson fell soon after for a brave 40, bowled by Tim Linley. He was followed by Dexter for 1, Simpson (0), Berg (11) and Rayner for 2, to leave Middesex in trouble on 129 for 7. Throughout all this, Dawid Malan has battled heroically, and had to wait for Tim Murtagh to join him before any meaningful partnership was added. When Murtagh fell for a gutsy 31, Middlesex had reached 182 for 8. Toby Roland-Jones was next to fall for 16, with him and Malan putting on a useful and much needed 42 for the ninth wicket, with the score on 223 for 9. At the close Malan had steered himself to a fine knock of 62 not out, with Collymore at the other end on 2 not out, and Middlesex to a total of 225 for 9. Jade Dernbach was the chief antagonist with the ball for Surrey, claiming 3 for 33 from his 19 overs. In hugely testing conditions it was a quite brilliant fightback by Middlesex, which saw them to a single batting point, which as it turned out was to be the only batting point earned anywhere in the country, as ball definitely reigned over bat, with no other side in either division reaching a total of 200 in the day.

• 16 April 2012

  Having fought hard on day three to get themselves back into this match, Middlesex continued the good work early on day four, only for a disastrous post lunch session with the bat for Middlesex saw all that good work go to waste. Resuming overnight on 38 for 1, Middlesex's Sam Robson and Chris Rogers steadily built their partnership to 78 before Robson was the first to go, LBW to Dockrell for 43, with the total on 105 for 2. Dockrell struck again before lunch to dismiss Chris Rogers, but not before he had reached a well earned half century. Middlesex went into lunch in good shape, on 134 for 3, with little sign of what was to come! Resuming after lunch Middlesex collapsed and lost their last seven wickets with only 41 runs being added, as the visitors were all out for 175. George Dockrell did most of the damage, picking up figures of 6 for 27. As if Middlesex's problems weren't big enough, they also had a first innings slow over rate of minus three overs to make up, or face a three point deduction by the umpires. This resulted in only Berg, Rayner and Denly bowling at Somerset's in their run chase, as Middlesex tried to claw back the run rate and make up the overs, with Someset needing only 72 to win. In dark and gloomy conditions, Somerset knocked off the runs in the final session of the match, but were made to work hard for it, as Berg picked up three wickets and Denly one, before Someset reached 73 for 4 to win the match by 6 wickets.

• 16 April 2012

  Day three of this County Championship encounter between Somerset and Middlesex at Taunton saw the home side start the day on 202 for 3. Craig Kieswetter and Nick Compton built steadily but slowly on their overnight partnership until Corey Collymore finally brought it to an end on 152, when Kieswetter was caught at slip for 83 by Dawid Malan. Joss Buttler and Peter Trego fell cheaply, before Compton, when on 99, inexplicably threw his wicket away, caught by Chris Rogers at square leg. It was a patient and impressive innings, but one which took a staggering 312 balls to complete, and was at times cautious and nervy to say the very least. The Somerset tail was mopped up without too much trouble, and the home side were dismissed for 350, with a lead of 104 runs in the bank. Collymore (3-66), Murtagh (2-88), Berg (2-60) & Roland-Jones (2-76) shared the wickets for Middlesex. Bad light and rain saw an early end to the day's play, but not before Middlesex's Joe Denly was dismissed by Steve Kirby for 9. Middlesex finished the day on 38 for 1, trailing by 66 runs, with nine wickets in hand.

• 16 April 2012

  On day two of the LV= County Championship Division One encounter between Somerset and Middlesex at Taunton, a five wicket haul from overseas debutant, Vern Philander, saw the home side take the initiative in the match. With Middlesex resuming on 118 for 4, Philander added two further wickets to the three he'd taken on day one, to finish with figures of 5 for 43 from 20 overs as Middlesex were dismissed for 246. Things could have been much worse for Middlesex, if it weren't for an heroic innings of 45 from number 9 Tim Murtagh, who rescued the visitors innings from 150 for 7. In reply Somerset's opening batsmen looked relatively comfortable in contrast, as Marcus Trescothick (47) and Arul Suppiah (35) got the home side off to a great start, Somerset finished the day in control on 202 for 3, with both Nick Compton (58*) and James Hildreth (50*) unbeaten going into day three. Middlesex need plenty of early wickets tomorrow morning if they are to stand any chance of gaining something from this match.

• 16 April 2012

  Middlesex began their Division One County Championship campaign in difficult conditions on a wet and cold opening day of the season at Taunton against a Somerset side that included South African pace sensation Vern Philander. Philander wasted no time in endearing himself to the Somerset faithful, as he claimed the wickets of Robson (0), Malan (12) and Dexter (8) on his way to figures of 3 for 21. It was Middlesex's debutant, Joe Denly, who took the honours on day one however, as he batted superbly to claim a well earned and classy looking half century, finishing the day on 64 not out. Middlesex go into the second day on 118 for 4 with Denly and Simpson at the crease.