Getting hit wicket is one of the most unfortunate dismissals on the cricket field. It is even unluckier when the batter hits the stumps or bails with his bat instead of accidentally stepping on the stumps in an attempt to go deep into the crease. Middlesex skipper Toby Roland-Jones was playing a blinder against Warwickshire but getting out hit wicket cut-short his stay at the crease.
Roland-Jones walked in to bat when Middlesex were 148/7 in the 46th over. He got off the mark with a four in the next over bowled by Henry Brookes. Then he ended the over with a six. In the next over, Josh De Caires lost his wicket. Roland-Jones continued to take on the bowlers.
Against Ed Barnard, the wicketkeeper was standing up. Roland-Jones used his long levers and hit a six after getting on strike. After playing a dot ball, he went for the big hit again. This time he hit it meters over the boundary and deep into the stands at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
After dispatching the length ball over the ropes, he swung his bat and it took off the bails. Wicketkeeper Michael Burgess appealed for hit wicket and after short confusion he was given out. He scored 21 runs from 15 balls. He hit two fours and as many sixes. He would have extended his cameo if not for the hit wicket dismissal.
Ryan Higgins' half-century and contributions from lower order helped Middlesex recover from 77/6 and post 199 on the board. They took a 139-run lead as Warwickshire were bundled out for 60 in the first innings in just 22.5 overs. Ethan Bamber was the wrecker-in-chief as he took a fifer. Ronald-Jones took three wickets as well.
However, Warwickshire batters made up for the horror show on Day 2. Sam Hain's unbeaten 77 and Dan Mousley's patient 47-run knock helped Warwickshire post 189/4 before the end of day's play. Warwickshire have a 50-run lead and six wickets in hand going into Day 3.
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