Williamson Century Anchors Middlesex on Rain-Shortened Day at Cheltenham

Williamson Century Anchors Middlesex on Rain-Shortened Day at Cheltenham

Kane Williamson marked his return to Cheltenham with a commanding unbeaten century as Middlesex reached 232 for 3 on a rain-hit opening day of their County Championship Division Two clash against Gloucestershire.

Facing his former county, the New Zealand great scored a fluent 104* off just 112 balls, guiding Middlesex through tricky conditions and capitalising on a key drop at slip when on 29. He shared significant partnerships with opener Josh De Caires (58) and Leus du Plooy (42*), helping the visitors take control before bad light and rain brought play to an early close at 4.50pm.

Having won the toss on a pitch that was green but shaved at both ends, Middlesex chose to bat first despite the overcast skies. Rain delayed the start until 12.15pm, and the sparse Festival crowd saw early joy for Gloucestershire when Matt Taylor struck in the third over, removing Sam Robson for 2.

Taylor, the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 47, also claimed Max Holden (10), but was let down later when Miles Hammond dropped a regulation chance at slip off Williamson. That lapse proved costly.

De Caires was composed in his innings, bringing up his fifty from 81 balls with ten boundaries. He fell soon after the Williamson drop, trapped lbw by Ben Charlesworth for 58, leaving the score at 117 for 3.

From there, Williamson and du Plooy built an untroubled 87-run stand, with Williamson racing to a 68-ball half-century and then launching Graeme van Buuren for two sixes in a 20-run over. He brought up his hundred with a single to square leg off Todd Murphy, finishing the day with 12 fours and two sixes in his innings.

Du Plooy also looked assured, unbeaten on 42 when play was called off due to worsening light and steady rain. A total of 32 overs remained unbowled.

With Middlesex well poised at stumps and the forecast still uncertain, Gloucestershire will be hoping for better weather and sharper fielding as the match progresses.

Scorecard
Middlesex 232 for 3 (Williamson 104, De Caires 58, du Plooy 42*)*
Gloucestershire: Taylor 2-47, Charlesworth 1-37
Day 1: Rain-shortened, play abandoned at 5.40pm.

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