Nick Gubbins hits double century as Middlessex frustrate leaders Lancashire

Nick Gubbins scored the first double-century of his career and Stevie Eskinazi made a maiden hundred as Middlesex replied strongly against Specsavers County Championship Division One leaders Lancashire at Lord’s.

Middlesex, who resumed at 146 for one, reached 419 for five – with Gubbins unbeaten on 201 – before rain curtailed the day’s play.

James Franklin scored 41 from 51 balls as a fifth-wicket stand of 95 with Gubbins secured a maximum five batting points for the hosts, who finished the day 94 shy of Lancashire’s 513.

Nick Gubbins is 201 not out after day three of Middlesex’s Division One clash against Lancashire

Eskinazi, whose only previous first-class game was last September, was eventually out when he edged to second slip for 106.

At the Ageas Bowl, rain enhanced struggling Hampshire’s chances of securing a draw against Somerset.

The home side closed at 173 for four, trailing by 82 runs heading into the final day, which is again expected to be hampered by bad weather. 

Hampshire resumed at 18 for one in their second innings, having conceded a first-innings deficit of 219.

Tom Alsop struck 53 before an unbroken 52-run fifth-wicket stand between Michael Carberry (37) and Sean Ervine (34) kept the visitors at bay, with Somerset seamer Lewis Gregory claiming three for 26.

Warwickshire were another county frustrated by the weather as they sought to push for victory over Nottinghamshire on day three at Edgbaston.

Following a full morning session, only 6.3 overs were possible after lunch before heavy rain arrived, with the visitors finishing the day on 81 for two in their second innings, trailing Warwickshire by 78 runs. Steven Mullaney hit an unbeaten 38.

 

Stevie Eskinazi struck the maiden first-class century of his career against Lancashire at Lord’s

In Division Two, Gloucestershire openers Gareth Roderick and Chris Dent had compiled an unbroken partnership of 69 when rain brought an early end to play at Grace Road with 48 overs remaining on the second day against Leicestershire.

Dent, who came into the match having already scored 547 championship runs this season, hit five fours in making it to 34. Roderick, meanwhile, was undefeated on 23.

Leicestershire had resumed on 252 for seven, with an eighth-wicket partnership of 86 between Neil Dexter and Clint McKay helping secure a third batting bonus point before being bowled out for 334.

At Canterbury, there were centuries for Wayne Madsen (163) and Shiv Thakor (123) as Derbyshire declared on 574 for nine, a lead of 195 over Kent.

In reply, Kent had reached 32 without loss before rain forced an early end to the day’s play.