Jason Gallian was signed to add solidity to a callow Essex line-up and delivered in his first Championship knock, hitting 171 in a nine-wicket win over Northants. His arrival should ease the pressure on captain Mark Pettini, who has already responded with some heavy scoring – as has Ravi Bopara, who is clearly determined to get back into England contention. Middlesex finished third last summer and are a decent tip for promotion this time around, but their impressive top order didn't quite deliver against Leicestershire while the seam bowling was more perspiration than inspiration, promising Steve Finn excepted. With the subsequent game against Glamorgan ruined by rain, Ed Smith will want to avoid a repeat of last season's sluggish start. Andrew Shields
|
|
|
|
