Close, day two: Somerset 523-9 dec v Middlesex 64-7
Somerset 5pts, Middlesex 1pt
Middlesex endured a disastrous day at Taunton as Somerset took complete control of their Division One County Championship match.
A demoralised Middlesex attack were helpless to prevent Somerset adding 257 to their overnight total of 266-5 for declare on 523-9 at the close of the second day.
And the hosts ripped through the Middlesex batting order, leaving them 64-7 and facing a defeat which leaves them deep in relegation trouble.
Middlesex play relegation rivals Lancashire in the final round of fixtures next week and any hopes of heading there with their Division One survival secure have all but disappeared.
James Hildreth did most of the damage, adding to his unbeaten overnight 70 to make a classy 182.
Peter Trego (91) and Craig Kieswetter (69) also both made significant contributions and the home side’s bowling attack made sure they rammed home their advantage in the final session of the day.
Chris Rogers was held at first slip by Hildreth off Trego’s bowling and England opener Sam Robson edged Alfonso Thomas to Craig Kieswetter to make it 9-2.
And when Dawid Malan was trapped lbw and Joe Denly was caught behind Middlesex were 11-4.
Eoin Morgan led a mini recovery and ended on 36 not out, but three wickets fell in the space of the final four overs to leave Middlesex facing the very real possibility of defeat inside three days.
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This post was last modified on 17/09/2014
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Somehow I saw this coming. Middle on the slippery slope. Forget this one now as far as points are concerned - just play for pride. Points at Lancashire away looks a tall order based on current form. What a dreadful demise from early season promise.
Questions need to be asked - if they are not so already.