Fletcha Middleton scores maiden century but Hampshire and Warwickshire set for draw in Vitality County Championship

Fletcha Middleton Shines with Maiden County Championship Century

In a thrilling Vitality County Championship Division One match at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, Fletcha Middleton stole the show with his maiden first-class century for Hampshire. The homegrown talent showcased his skills with a brilliant knock of 116, which included a partnership of 213 runs with Nick Gubbins.

Middleton, whose previous highest first-class score was 77, batted for nearly seven hours and faced 329 balls to reach his century. His innings was a display of patience and determination, as he anchored the Hampshire innings and guided them to a respectable total of 365.

However, despite Middleton’s heroics, Hampshire found themselves in trouble as they lost five middle-order wickets for just 45 runs in a dramatic collapse. Warwickshire’s bowlers, led by Rob Yates who took 4-37, put the visitors in a commanding position with a 90-run first-innings lead.

In response, Warwickshire’s opening pair of Rob Yates and Alex Davies safely negotiated the Hampshire bowlers to reach 46 without loss by the close of play, extending their lead to 136 runs.

Overall, it was a day of mixed fortunes for both teams, with Middleton’s century being the standout performance. While Hampshire will be disappointed with their collapse, Warwickshire will be pleased with their strong position in the match.

With the match finely poised heading into the final day, cricket fans can expect an exciting conclusion as both teams battle for supremacy in the Vitality County Championship.