A superb century from Sam Robson put Middlesex in a very strong position in a match of the County Championship Division Two against Essex, at the County Ground, Chelmsford in England.
The visitors were struggling at one stage of the game, but Robson’s unbeaten 136 turned things around. Middlesex ended day-one of the match on 316 for the loss of six wickets on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.
The pitch was perfect for batting and the weather was also good for cricket. The visitors’ skipper, Neil Dexter, won the toss and elected to bat without any hesitation and expected his batsmen to post a massive first innings total.
Middlesex’s openers, Chris Rogers and Robson, gave a solid start to the team, scoring a 52-run stand for the first wicket. They batted sensibly and didn’t take too many chances against the new ball bowlers.
However, Rogers was unable to make a big impression, as he was dismissed after getting a start. The Australian scored 34 runs with the help of seven fours and was cleaned up by part timer, Ravi Bopara.
First-drop, Dan Housego, was also unable to carry onto the start he got to his innings. He was sent back to the pavilion after adding just 15 runs to the total.
His wicket was followed by two more quick dismissals of Dawid Malan and Dexter, who failed to open their accounts.
The visitors were struggling at 90 for four, as they lost three wickets in a span of just eight runs.
Middle-order batsman, Jamie Dalrymple, joined Robson in the middle and the pair batted with responsibility, guiding their team out of trouble. They scored a century partnership for the fifth wicket, gaining momentum in the match.
Dalrymple was dismissed after scoring a terrific half-century. He ended up with 52 runs off just 81 deliveries with the help of seven fours and one towering six.
Wicketkeeper batsman, John Simpson, also played a sensible innings and constructed a 122-run stand with Robson for the sixth wicket. A couple of century partnerships took the game away from Essex, but the hosts got rid of Simpson in the closing moments of the first day.
The wicketkeeper batsman scored 65 runs, hitting eight fours, but the star of the day was the Middlesexopener. He remained unbeaten and completed a brilliant ton for his team.
Robson’s innings included 14 fours and he will be looking forward to take the score past 400 on the second day’s play. He will start the day alongside, Anthony Ireland, who has not yet opened his account.
Graham Napier was in menacing form with the ball, taking five wickets in the day. However, he lacked support from the other bowlers, which allowed the opposition to take the total past 300.
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