Seaxes are revelling in underdog tag, Stevie

Skipper Stevie Eskinazi says Middlesex’s remarkable fightback at Radlett is proof they are thriving on their underdog status.

A devastating burst from veteran seamer Tim Murtagh, reduced Sussex to 4-4 inside six overs on the second evening. It sparked a Middlesex recovery after they incurred a 90-run deficit on first innings.

Eskinazi though was just as pleased by the contributions made by homegrown youngsters Martin Andersson and Robbie White – who held their nerve in a nail-biting run-chase – and 18-year-old Blake Cullen on debut.

After struggling in Division Two for the past two years, Middlesex are keen to change people’s perceptions during the Bob Willis Trophy. They overwhelmed Surrey at the Oval and made some strong showings against Hampshire and Kent.

Eskinazi said Middlesex were not the finished article but added: “Fans can start believing in the side again. We're looking to try and make our supporters and our members extremely proud. Hopefully we're doing that.

“We've been underdogs, probably for the most part. We're playing mainly Division One sides, and then a team like Sussex who completely battered us twice last year so we've not gone into any of the games being the side that should win.

“We relish that, we love being the underdogs. We feel like it suits our group. We're unassuming. We don't have any superstars.”

Sussex’s first innings, underpinned by Harry Finch’s 69, looked a winning score after Middlesex were bowled out cheaply. The Seaxes’ batting frailties were exposed despite a late rally led by keeper John Simpson and Cullen.

That left a tricky 12-over spell for Sussex to face on the second evening against Murtagh and the pace of West Indian quick Miguel Cummins. It sparked a dramatic slump.

“It was unbelievable bowling by Murts,” said Eskinazi. “It has almost become expected of someone like Tim, though 4-4 was excessive, but we’ve played enough on this ground to know the pitch will do things if you put the ball in the right areas.”

Some aggressive pace from Ollie Robinson, who recently returned from the England bubble, threatened Middlesex’s victory charge after he claimed three wickets in two overs. Simpson though played another vital innings, well supported by Andersson and White.

Jason Gillespie, Sussex head coach said: “The lads put in a shift with the ball both innings. First innings we got a number of starts and put a number of partnerships together, but no really big ones.

“The last three years we are a county with among the most 50s with the bat, but one of the lowest conversions into 100s.

“There were a couple of moments where we probably let ourselves down. Just after lunch on day two we had Middlesex in a little bit of strife having bowled well that morning but let them get away from us a little bit. Had we bowled with a little more discipline we would have had a bigger lead.

“Then we were in a spot of bother having lost a few quick wickets and that stops you driving the game forward and dictating terms. When you have those opportunities, you need to capitalise.”

Star man

Tim Murtagh’s three wickets in two overs sparked a dramatic Sussex collapse on the second evening to set up an unlikely Middlesex victory. His 5-34 was the 37^th five-wicket haul of his career.

Key moment

The devastating opening burst from Murtagh and Cummins reduced Sussex to 4-4 inside six overs in the second innings and changed the course of the match.