Middlesex’s Second Eleven head to the Emirates ICG tomorrow to take on Durham Second Eleven in the Final of the Second Eleven Championship, in a clash to be played over four days, between the 6th and 9th September.
Middlesex reached the final by virtue of finishing the South Group in top spot, whilst Durham’s place was secured as winners of the North Group.
This will be Middlesex’s third appearance in the final in the last four seasons, although the Seaxes have failed to lift the trophy outright on both previous occasions. In 2013 a rain affected clash with Lancashire saw the first three days completely washed out and the trophy shared, whilst in 2015 Nottinghamshire prevailed in the Final at Radlett by four wickets, despite Stephen Eskinazi hitting a century in Middlesex’s first innings.
Middlesex will be confident of making amends this time around and reversing that trend however, as they head into the final with a side strengthened in both departments by players returning to the ranks.
Paceman James Fuller makes a welcome return to fitness to offer a timely boost to Middlesex's seam attack, and is in contention for a start after a lengthy absence on the side-lines through injury. Fuller made a comeback appearance last week in Middlesex’s comprehensive victory over Worcestershire at Kidderminster, picking up four wickets in the Worcestershire second innings.
Paul Stirling, available after being absent last week with Ireland for an ICC Intercontinental Cup clash against Hong Kong, also comes into the side, to add yet more firepower to a batting line up that has runs in abundance.
In the Worcestershire game last week Ryan Higgins smashed an incredible 303 not out off 295 balls in Middlesex’s huge first innings total of 670 for 5 declared, whilst Tom Lace notched his first hundred for Middlesex’s Seconds, hitting 112 off 164 balls. With half centuries also being notched by Max Holden, Robbie White and Don Manuwelge, there’s certainly no shortage of runs throughout the Middlesex side.
Middlesex have named the following squad for the Second Eleven Championship final…
Martin Andersson
James Fuller
Arthur Godsal
Max Holden
James Harris
Ryan Higgins
Tom Lace
Don Manuwelge
George Scott
Paul Stirling
Thilan Walallawita
