Brilliant Middlesex inflict first defeat on champions Yorkshire

Toby Roland-Jones followed up his maiden Championship century with five wickets as Middlesex inflicted a first defeat this season on champions Yorkshire.

They bowled out the visitors for just 134 on the final day at Lord’s, a superb comeback victory having been 193 behind on first innings.

On Friday’s third day, Middlesex recovered from 143-5 in their second innings thanks to 149 from Nick Compton and Roland Jones’ belligerent 103 not out, leaving them 573-8 at stumps.

Day four began with Yorkshire being set 381 to win after Middlesex declared overnight.

James Harris dismissed England batsmen Adam Lyth (14) and Gary Ballance (0) within three balls of each other, the latter recording only the second pair of his first-class career.

A third-wicket stand of 64 between the resilient Alex Lees (62) and Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale (17) gave the visitors hope of salvaging a draw to retain their unbeaten record.

However, a collapse from 92-2 to 134 all out began when Middlesex stalwart Neil Dexter, playing in his last match for the county at Lord’s before moving onto Leicestershire, had Gale lbw.

Roland-Jones completed an impressive all-round performance by racing through the Yorkshire middle-order to take 5-27, including Jack Leaning and Andrew Hodd in successive balls.

Tim Murtagh bowled Steven Patterson to complete a comprehensive win by 246 runs, putting Middlesex 24 points ahead of Nottinghamshire in the pursuit of second place.

The victory represents a major coup for this developing Middlesex side, just the fourth loss for Yorkshire in their 62 County Championship matches under Jason Gillespie.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook