Middlesex proud of super six pack
SEALING wins with maximums is becoming John Simpson’s calling card – but the wicketkeeper admits that six is now Middlesex’s magic number for a different reason.
Somerset served up a green-top at Taunton last week in the knowledge that County Championship leaders Middlesex were deprived of international seamers Steven Finn, Toby RolandJones and Tim Murtagh last week.
So in came an out-of-favour James Harris, Harry Podmore – on firstclass debut for Middlesex – and white-ball specialist James Fuller – to devastating effect.
The trio took 18 of the 19 wickets on offer and particularly impressive was 22-year-old Podmore who, as Middlesex’s go-to man, churned through 55 overs in total.
Those six specialist seamers have formed the sort of depth that has inspired bowler-blessed Yorkshire to consecutive Championship titles.
And Simpson, who cleared the ropes to settle that final-over thriller in the south west, believes that Middlesex’s bowling stocks have never been in better health.
“They [Finn, Murtagh and RolandJones] are three players any team would miss but it presented an opportunity for the three other lads. James Harris who is very experienced came in and did really well,” he said.
“James Fuller has broken into the side and he’s more than capable with the ball, he gives us something a little different.You don’t really know what’s coming out of his hand next.
“Then Harry Podmore on firstclass debut pretty much leads our attack, that’s full testament to the way he has been working hard behind the scenes. It’s so important to have that much strength and that ability to take 20 wickets.
“We had a fantastic win up in Scarborough [against Yorkshire the week before] as well, so to chase those runs down to get that kind of win against Somerset really gives us momentum.
“The Championship is definitely on but we’ve still got some good teams to come, it’s a derby at The Oval and then Durham who are challenging right at the top. If we win those, that would really set us up.”
Simpson proved the finisher again in Somerset two days later, signing off with another six in a slightly more sedate run chase to keep Middlesex’s T20 Blast qualification hopes alive and well.
A recent dry spell aside, Simpson – who turned 28 on the day of the red-ball win at Taunton – is in fine nick and is averaging more than 50 from first-class games this season.
And given that England have lacked top-class keepers of late, it is no surprise that scouts on behalf of the ECB have followed his progress keenly at Lord’s this season.
“I’ve been in pretty good form this season and I went away to Cape Town working hard with [ex-India and South Africa coach] Gary Kirsten on a few little bits,” Simpson added.
“We broke down how I batted and it was more a tactical than technical approach, how to cope with pressure in tough match conditions and trying to really nail my strengths. I also tuned my defence up – it was really good to work with him and I’ve carried that on with Dave Houghton at Middlesex.
“I’ve never given up on the dream of playing for England, but you’ve got to produce the goods consistently – Dawid Malan has for years and has yet to play, so it’s all I can do.”