In all probability the result of this match was decided within 15 minutes of the start of Day 4 as Middlesex scored the two runs to save the follow on against Sussex.
Neither side has the penetrating bowling to dismiss the other in double figures and given the placid flat pitch, the only winner is going to be the groundsman!
Middle’s two youngsters of Davies and Fernandes add over a hundred before Davies tries to cut and is caught for 68 – his highest first class score.
We’ve seen predominantly spin from Sussex this morning (and 33 overs in the session) under cloudy skies with little to show for it. They’re keeping their real quicks under wraps today – ready for being thrashed and bashed later this week.
Tom Clark was called on as the 8th bowler and initially bowled more filth than I have seen in a long time. However, once he settled and the sun shone – am not sure the two events are related – he managed to find more nip from the Nursery End than we’ve seen all match.
Fernandes clearly enjoyed the challenge of the shorter stuff and perhaps got ahead of himself as he edged towards a century but fell forcing the pace for 91. At age 20, he will come again I’m sure.
The Middle lunch at 508/8 – just 46 behind – and bat on. In 10 sessions we’ve seen 17 wickets fall for over 1,000 runs so unless there’s a cataclysmic collapse I suspect an early finish is on the cards.
Tea arrives – 30 minutes late due to 9 wickets down – at 603/9. Brookes 46 no with Hollman the only wicket to fall in that session.
It’s clear the draw is an odds on certainty and so the afternoon – more than the morning has been about killing time. But a session such as this throws up a host of quirks:
The second new ball was taken – unusual to see
Robinson bowled an over of right arm spin (absolute tripe)
Alsop and Haines – batters – took the new ball! There’s a Sussex cricket society quiz question in there if ever I saw one
Nine bowlers used by Sussex – again unusual
Innings is over 1,000 balls – perhaps there’s a new product waiting for the ECB in that? 🤔
Drinks taken 15 minutes before tea – that killed five minutes and
A 9-0 offside field! Something I’ve never seen before in over 60 years of cricket watching!
It’s all reminiscent of how first class cricket used to be! If conscription is coming back, how about 3 day games on uncovered pitches? That would sort things out!
The merciful end comes at 4.50pm and Middlesex 613/9. Only 18 wickets in 4 days and over 1,100 runs – not great for cricket!
So the winners must be the quirks! So unusual!
Ps…this is the last blog for a while as the Championship has a break for the bashing and thrashing!
Cricket51days 