Both these sides will be hoping for improved performances this week, each having suffered a loss and a draw from their opening two matches. In their two encounters last season, they played out a high scoring draw in the opening fixture at Lord’s and then Middlesex enjoyed a nerve-jangling two wicket win at Sophia Gardens. Tom Helm was the hero in that game, taking seven wickets and contributing 25 to an unbeaten eight wicket partnership of 52 with Jack Davies, Mason Crane’s five wickets not enough for Glamorgan on the final day. Neither Helm nor Crane will be on the field this week, Helm not having made an appearance so far this season and Crane out with a shoulder injury.
Middlesex will be particularly disappointed at their start as they would be hoping to finish one place higher than last year, narrowly missing out on promotion. Their batting has let them down over recent seasons and they have just one batting bonus point so far this summer. Sam Robson missed the Kent game to spend time with his expectant wife and it waits to be seen if he will be back. Steve Eskinazi joined Nathan Fernandes at the top of the order and while Eskinazi posted a half century in the second innings, Fernandes has just nine runs from four starts. New signing Ben Geddes has made two seventies in the two matches so far and Max Holden made 184 against Lancashire, but they will be looking for more consistency from the top order.
The pace attack looks strong, even without Helm, Blake Cullen making his mark with eight wickets so far. However, Zafar Gohar leads their wicket-taking with nine, giving Middlesex the real spin threat they have lacked in recent years. The pace attack looks like it will be reinforced by Dane Patterson, whose first appearance for his new side has been held up by family matters.
Glamorgan have had an inconsistent start to the season, outplayed in their first two games. They were able to hold out against Gloucestershire last week, having been made to follow on. They were indebted to Colin Ingram for runs in both innings and will be pleased that the opening pair of Zain-ul-Hassan and Eddie Byrom finally put together a partnership in the second innings. This remains a problem for Glamorgan and they will be looking at the unbeaten double century from Asa Tribe in a second XI game this week, Tribe having opened in the last four Championship games in 2024. Ul-Hassan has been tried previously in this spot without much success, but might be preferred as he provides a seam option.
The lack of a significant threat with the ball was an issue for Glamorgan last season and while Asitha Fernando took four wickets in the first game, he was wicketless against Gloucestershire. The inclusion of Shoaib Bashir alongside Ben Kellaway gives the attack an odd balance for April, with two spinners and only three recognised seamers, ul-Hassan, with just ten first class wickets at 83.40, providing the fourth pace option. Andy Gorvin, who enjoyed some success in the first game, was surprisingly left out last week and will likely return, while Jamie McIlroy has recovered from a concussion and Dan Douthwaite has been bowling in a second team match.
Middlesex will start this game as favourites, particularly if they have gained the services of Patterson. However with more unsettled weather forecast, it may be more a battle against the elements to get a positive result.
Key players:
Max Holden has not quite delivered on the promise he showed as a youngster. He should pass the 5,000 first class run mark this season, but will want to improve on his current average of 30.42. He had an excellent 2024 season, scoring 981 runs at 48.23 and has made a quick start this summer, with 284 runs from four innings. He is still only 27 and Middlesex will be hoping the best is yet to come.
Colin Ingram will be celebrating his 40th birthday in July, but since standing in for Marnus Labuschagne back in 2022, has resurrected his red ball career. Despite missing three matches, he was the highest Championship run scorer last season, with 1351 at 90.06, including six centuries, with a maiden double century. Whilst he had become predominantly a white ball player, representing South Africa on 40 occasions, he has a chance of passing the 10,000 first class run mark this summer. If he does not do it this season, he will undoubtedly complete the feat next, with another year on his contract with Glamorgan.
Team News:
Dane Patterson should be available for Middlesex, while Toby Roland-Jones may take a breather after playing the first two games. Sam Robson could still be on paternity leave.
Middlesex squad (from): Toby Roland-Jones (c), Henry Brookes, Noah Cornwell, Blake Cullen, Jack Davies (wk), Leus du Plooy, Stephen Eskinazi, Nathan Fernandes, Ben Geddes, Zafar Gohar, Ryan Higgins, Max Holden, Luke Hollman, Dane Paterson
Glamorgan all-rounder Dan Douthwaite is probably still a week away from consideration, while Jamie McIlroy is recovered from a concussion. Asa Tribe’s name may be in the mix.
Glamorgan squad (from): Sam Northeast (c), Shoaib Bashir, Eddie Byrom, Kiran Carlson, Chris Cooke (wk), Asitha Fernando, Andrew Gorvin, Colin Ingram, Ben Kellaway, Ned Leonard, Jamie McIlroy, Billy Root, Asa Tribe, Zain ul-Hassan, Timm van der Gugten
Weather and Conditions
Cooler unsettled weather has come in and while there may be a full days play on day one, expect interruptions from then on.
In the opening game at Lord’s runs were scored and wickets fell, so there should be a result if the players can spend enough time on the field. However, they won’t necessarily mind being inside given the quality of food that gets served to them at the home of cricket
Date: 18th April 2025
Time: 11:00
Ground: Lord’s
