Robson and Stirling hit centuries to put Middlesex in charge
Discarded England Test opener Sam Robson hit an unbeaten season’s-best 152 as Middlesex dominated the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match with Yorkshire.
A crowd approaching 4,000 enjoyed the dominance of bat over ball as Paul Stirling posted a maiden championship century and added 187 with third-wicket partner Robson on another placid Lord’s pitch.
Sydney-born Robson, who won the last of his seven caps in 2014, batted throughout the hottest day of the year to reap his 18 boundaries and ensure that the title-chasing visitors would have to play at their absolute best to get anything out of the remaining three days.
Batting first after their side won the toss, openers Nick Compton and Robson posted 64 for the first wicket before the former fell for 22 – his joint-highest score of the campaign – to Steven Patterson.
Jack Brooks might have struck with his first ball of a new spell when Robson, on 31, drove back firm and low only for the bowler to spill the tough chance. The seamer saw another chance go begging when Alex Lees, diving full-length to his right in the gully, downed a one-handed catch off Stevie Eskinazi, who was on nought.
Brooks got his man four balls later when he pegged back Eskinazi’s off pole via the inside edge.
Robson and Stirling went on to dominate the middle session. Yorkshire introduced England wristspinner Adil Rashid and off-spinner Adam Lyth but to no avail.
Soon after the resumption, Robson – in only his fourth start of an injury-ravaged season – late cut Rashid for three to reach his second century this summer from 184 balls.
Then Stirling, who had given Robson a 36-run start, reached his maiden championship century from 119 balls. He hit 15 fours and a six.
Yorkshire’s wait for a breakthrough came to an end when Stirling departed lbw for 111 after aiming an ambitious pull to a Rashid top-spinner.
Middlesex captain James Franklin helped Robson see off the second new ball and raise their side’s third batting bonus point but, with his score on 17, the New Zealander had his off stump knocked back by Ryan Sidebottom.