Fletcha Middleton displayed a mighty batting copy on an abbreviated day’s play as Hampshire decimated Worcestershire. The opener, who hails from Winchester, made a fine 79 before being dismissed towards the end of the day’s play. His record-breaking second innings knock was stopped in its tracks by bad light, but their saviour was no doubt a highly-anticipated return.
Middleton’s innings started positively as he raced to his half-century in 51 balls. His destructive brand of cricket not only set the tone for Hampshire’s innings. He soon developed an impressive understanding with his partner Joe Weatherley. They had made a vital 50-run partnership by the end of 14 overs. This reflected their unique power to create and maintain positive momentum even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Over the course of his innings, Middleton faced 101 balls, proving indomitable at the crease. He produced some assured strokeplay, blending solidity with swagger, as he propelled Hampshire’s scoreboard movement. As the day progressed, conditions deteriorated rapidly. This change ended up slowing the game down.
Few were more surprised than to learn that Middleton had been let go. It occurred in a late flurry of activity when the visibility was severely impaired by low light conditions. His exit became the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back in the match. As dark storm clouds rolled in, Hampshire hovered just above their crease trying to keep their run going.
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