Middlesex make bolt for safety

SOMERSET and Middlesex are sweating on the outcome of an ECB Discipline Commission hearing that will determine which of the pair is to be relegated.

The ECB confirmed yesterday that Middlesex’s appeal against a two-point penalty for a slow over rate at the Oval in August, in the match later abandoned when a crossbow bolt was fired into the ground, is being considered.

With Somerset pipping Middlesex to Division One safety by one point in the final match of the season, relegation and survival will be settled in the post-season for the second year running. Ben Stokes, meanwhile, has had his contract with New Balance terminated.

Stokes was placed under investigation by police after being arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm last month.

New Balance said: “We do not condone behaviour by our global athletes that does not match our brand culture and values.”