Promotion Rivals Locked in Tight Race After High-Scoring Draw
Yorkshire and Middlesex, locked in a tight race for promotion in the Vitality County Championship Division Two, played out a high-scoring draw at Headingley. The two sides separated by just a single point after four bat-dominated days of cricket.
Yorkshire posted an impressive 601/6 declared in their first innings, with Harry Brook scoring a magnificent 169* and Jonny Bairstow contributing 160. In reply, Middlesex amassed 522, led by Ryan Higgins’ 155 and a century from Sam Robson. Veteran off-spinner Dom Bess was the pick of the Yorkshire bowlers, claiming 7/179.
With a first-innings lead of 79, Yorkshire opted not to enforce the follow-on and instead batted again, reaching 150/2 before bad light ended play. Adam Lyth top-scored with 62, while James Wharton was unbeaten on 50.
The draw means Yorkshire and Middlesex remain second and third respectively in the Division Two table, separated by a solitary point. The two promotion rivals will battle it out with leaders Sussex for the two coveted spots in the top flight next season.
“Despite the flat pitch, which saw only two batters across both sides fail to reach double figures, the match produced an engaging contest between these promotion candidates.”
The use of spin was a key feature, with Bess and left-arm spinner Dan Moriarty bowling a combined 143.4 overs in Middlesex’s first innings.
With three rounds of the championship remaining, the race for promotion from Division Two promises to be a thrilling one, as Yorkshire, Middlesex and Sussex jostle for the top spots.
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