Malan century sets up intriguing final day at Lord’s

By

Close, day three: Middlesex 234 & 326-8 lead Sussex 300 by 260 runs

Dawid Malan’s brilliant unbeaten century left Middlesex and Sussex both seeking victory going into the final day at Lord’s.

Having top scored in the first innings with 93, Malan batted for four and a half hours on Sunday, finishing on 118 not out.

He came to the crease late in the morning session when Sam Robson fell for 77 and was still there at the end of an intriguing third day which makes all three results still a possibility.

At 137-4, with Nick Compton (21) and James Franklin (5) out relatively cheaply, Malan and John Simpson put on 78 to give the hosts a lead of 149.

But again Sussex took a couple of quick wickets to tip the balance in their favour with Ollie Robinson – normally a seamer – using part-time spin to nip out Simpson (29) and James Harris (0) in the same over.

Ollie Rayner (17) helped push the lead up but it was the stand of 77 between Malan and tailender Toby Roland-Jones (36) that enhanced Middlesex’s chances of winning.

Malan’s ton came off 172 balls and he was well supported by Roland-Jones, who was trapped lbw in the final over of the day.

That wicket gave Sussex hope of polishing off the innings quickly on Monday morning but they will still face a tricky chase of at least 260 – while Middlesex will be hoping to nudge that beyond 300, particularly with Malan still there.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook