Joe Root leads Yorkshire fightback against Middlesex at Lord’s

In a thrilling County Championship clash at Lord’s, Middlesex continued to dominate Yorkshire on day two of the Vitality County Championship Division Two match.

Middlesex, who posted a total of 246 in their first innings, were led by Ryan Higgins who picked up crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Harry Brook for a golden duck. Yorkshire found themselves struggling at 83-5 in their second innings before George Hill’s unbeaten 52 helped them reach 216-7 at stumps, giving them a lead of 129.

Earlier in the day, Jordan Thompson’s five-wicket haul and Ben Coad’s impressive spell had bowled Yorkshire back into the game as they restricted Middlesex to 246. Leus du Plooy and Josh de Caires scored half-centuries for Middlesex, but Coad’s brilliant deliveries rattled the Middlesex batting order.

Despite a strong fightback from Middlesex’s lower order, Yorkshire managed to reduce the deficit to just 13 runs before losing crucial wickets. Joe Root, who scored 32, couldn’t steer Yorkshire to safety as Middlesex’s bowlers continued to apply pressure.

In the end, it was Hill, Thompson, and Coad who ensured Yorkshire will have a substantial total to defend in the fourth innings. With the game finely poised, both teams will be eager to push for victory on the remaining days of the match.

The intense battle between bat and ball at Lord’s has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to this County Championship fixture.