Robson hits 178 as Middlesex dominate

Close, day one: Middlesex 329-4 v Durham

Sam Robson’s brilliant 178 put Middlesex in a very strong position after the first day at Lord’s.

The opener hit 26 fours on his way to making his best first-class score for two years.

His vigil eventually ended in the penultimate over of the day when he was caught at second slip off Paul Coughlin (2-66).

Nick Compton (50) and Adam Voges (57) both made half-centuries while Durham used eight bowlers in their hunt for wickets.

Middlesex’s dominance with the bat was made all the more impressive by the fact Durham won the toss and opted to field.

Robson and Nick Gubbins put on 66 for the first wicket before the latter edged Coughlin to slip for 23.

Compton shared in a partnership of 113 with Robson either side of lunch and had just reached 50 when he was bowled by Scott Borthwick.

By that time, Robson had made his first Middlesex century since last April, coming from 162 balls, with the hosts reaching 221-2 at tea.

The runs kept coming in the evening session, as Voges joined Robson to put on a further 85, taking their stand well beyond 100.

Voges was eventually lbw for 57 while Robson failed to see out the day but Middlesex will look to pile on the misery on Sunday.

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