Sussex started at 109/5 with Thornely and night watchman Hatchett together. This promised to be a richly entertaining day, with all results still possible but early wickets would be required for a Middlesex win. Unfortunately these never came as Hatchett hung around and Thornely compiled a half century. Wright added another 62 to his 134 in the first innings albeit at a slower rate and the game appeared to be slipping towards a draw. Perhaps the best option in terms of the game may have been for Sussex to have a dip before lunch and declare at that time, however, they carried on until just after lunch setting 343 at around 5 runs per over, a difficult ask.

All started well as Strauss and Simpson set off at a descent rate aided by some sloppy fielding. It was short lived, first Simpson went, then having played two lovely shots for four, Shah perished. Malan was a victim of inconsistent bounce, going back to a delivery which kept low, then next ball, pushing out to one that bounced and saw him caught at short leg. Strauss was next bowled for 37 and the game looked to be heading one way.

Dexter and Morgan got their heads down and grafted out a partnership of about 80 which was ended as Rayner bowled Dexter but surely it was too late now to influence a result.

Berg, Udal and Roland-Jones all went quickly to set up a tense final 30 minutes, which was not helped when Finn appeared down the steps perhaps indicating that O’Brien would not bat, yet we were assured he was there somewhere. On so many occasions one has watched Finn work at his batting and today bore the fruit of his labour, for 35 tense balls he withstood all that Sussex could throw at him, with 5 men around the bat all waiting like vultures, a great effort.

Now to the real hero of the hour, Morgan, labelled a one day player, he showed excellent defensive technique on a difficult surface against top quality bowling to finish 58 not out having batted for two and a half hours. The pair, rightly returned to great applause from another good crowd.

Mention has to be made of Monty who bowled a fantastic spell, aided by a huge rough patch courtesy of Collymore, which caused the many Middlesex left handers trouble.

A wonderful day of County cricket at it’s best.

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