Mickleburgh’s double ton stuns North

NORTHUMBERLAND endured a disastrous opening day in their first Minor Counies Championship championship match on home soil this summer.

As the sun shone at Gsoforth, Suffolk made hay - opening batsman Jaik Mickleburgh hitting an unbeaten double century.

Released by Essex last year after nine years, Mickleburgh struck 30 of his side’s 51 fours and their only six.

Mickleburgh and Martyn Cull put on more than 200 for the first wicket in their championship opener against Buckinghamshire this time it was 147.

Northumberland’s troubles began before the game when injury and illness ruled out opening bowlers Callum Appelby and Atif Sheikh.

Sheikh’s omission from the paid ranks was a particular blow and it was not until the 34th over the breakthrough came.

Cull, on the back foot, edged to wicketkeeper Brad Yates - but it was another26 overs before Northumberland were to have more success.

A mix-up saw Alex Oxley run out by Shaun Tindale, who then held a low catch at backward square leg to remove Ben Shepperson.

That gave Alex Simpson a wicket on his debut but Northumberland continued to struggle with the ball and in the field.

Ollie McGee had Ben Reece caught at extra cover but the final 10 overs produced 94 runs, Mickleburgh finishing on almost a run-a-ball 218.

Suffolk closed on an impressive 424-4 from their 90 overs - and they soon made inroads with the ball as North’s woes continued.

Northumberland had lost half their side by the 14th over, Mark Comber taking four of the five wickets to fall.

Four of the batsman just managed to reach double figures as Northumberland ended a miserable day on 65-5.