On the back of excellent seam bowling spearheaded by Ollie Robinson, Sussex have left Middlesex struggling on 284/6 at stumps on Day 2.
Resuming on 354/6, Sussex could not pile on the advantage. One of the overnight batters, George Garton, fell soon after reaching his fifty. Martin Andersson scalped his wicket ending the 36-run partnership he stitched with Robinson.
Garton’s wicket initiated the collapse as Andersson and Shaheen Afridi weaved their magic. The duo picked up three wickets apiece to bundle out Sussex for 392. The speedsters took full advantage of the playing conditions, favouring swing bowling, unlike the opening day.
Middlesex’s innings did not have the best of starts as Ollie Robinson knocked over Sam Robson on nought. Losing the first wicket on 2, Middlesex required some stability while batting in challenging conditions.
Opener Mark Stoneman tried to counterattack after being joined by Robbie White in the middle. His short innings of 26 came off 47 balls, with five fours to his name. However, George Garton had him nicked in the 14th over and ended his vigil.
White and Peter Handscomb followed Stoneman to the pavilion to leave Middlesex reeling at 45/4. They could have been bundled out for a paltry score if Max Holden and John Simpson did not take charge of the situation. However, the duo did not allow the circumstances to get on their nerves and made complete use of every scoring opportunity.
Simpson got out on 71 ending a crucial 130-run partnership for the fifth wicket. He became Robinson’s third victim of the day. Mason Crane scalped Holden’s wicket on 58, leaving Middlesex in a spot again at 213/6.
However, Luke Hollman (52*) and Martin Andersson (41*) prevented further damage to the visitors. The duo would like to get as close as possible to Sussex’s first innings total on Day 3.
Brief scores:
Middlesex 1st innings: 284/6 (Trail by 108 runs)
John Simpson 71, Max Holden 58;
Ollie Robinson 37/3
Sussex 1st Innings: 392/10
Tom Alsop 113, Alaistair Orr 99;
Shaheen Afridi 97/3, Martin Andersson 88/3.