Hampshire’s Liam Dawson and Nick Gubbins lead impressive fightback against Middlesex in County Championship

Ultra-Patient Gubbins Grinds Down Middlesex with Record-Breaking Partnership

In a County Championship match between Hampshire and Middlesex, Nick Gubbins marked his first appearance against his childhood club by grinding them down with an ultra-patient unbeaten 98. He and centurion Liam Dawson wrestled control for Hampshire in the game.

Record-breaking Partnerships

Gubbins batted for six sticky hours and 262 balls on a dry and flat pitch while Dawson added 111 not out of his own in a slightly sprightlier four hours. The pair put on 190 to break a 100-year record for the fifth wicket for Hampshire against Middlesex, beating the previous score set by Lord Tennyson and Tom Jameson back in June 1923.

Middlesex’s Struggle

Middlesex had been asked to field first but had been in the ascendancy at 94-4 after Josh de Caires took two wickets with figures of (2-93). However, they were ground down as Hampshire reached the close at an impressive score of 284-4.

Gubbins’ Journey So Far

Nick Gubbins left Middlesex initially on loan in search of batter-friendly pitches that would push his case forward for an England call-up opportunity. Since joining Ageas Bowl, he has averaged just under 36 runs per innings over two inconsistent years. His twin centuries against Lancashire attack containing James Anderson and Hasan Ali are considered highlights during this period.

Frenetic Start To The Match

A frenetic start saw Joe Weatherley dropped at the gully, Gubbins almost run out by half the pitch, and Weatherley caught at square leg taking on a shorter Tom Helm delivery. The fast bowler was particularly accurate in the morning.

The Role of Spin

The dry pitch, unblemished blue skies, heat of the sun and Kookaburra ball being trialled in this round of Championship fixtures meant spin is likely to be prevalent in this match. De Caires was one of four spinners between the two sides introduced as early as 15th over picking up crucial wickets for Middlesex.

Testing Times for Batters

The slowness of the pitch needed batters to settle well to succeed. Gubbins took on that challenge and thrived while Dawson kept him company by manoeuvring gaps with skillful batting techniques such as running hard and cutting through.

Conclusion

Gubbins’ unbeaten 98 helped Hampshire end day one against Middlesex on top thanks also to his record-breaking partnership with centurion Liam Dawson. Although it wasn’t an easy start for Hampshire’s batters due to some excellent bowling from Josh de Caires and Tom Helm from Middlesex side who kept them under pressure initially but failed later despite their best efforts.
Despite leaving his childhood club after seven years, Nick Gubbins proved himself yet again with sheer determination ensuring he finished strongly even though a century had evaded him.