The season’s first home fixture – Sunday 17 April – at Lord’s sees the London side take on a strong Warwickshire line-up featuring England star, Ian Bell, in the Specsavers county championship match.
In charge of the home side will be Australian test player, Adam Vogues, who will be the overseas player for most of the season. Whilst returning for international duty in the summer, Vogues’ spot will be taken by former New Zealand captain, Brendon McCallum who retired from international cricket in February, and will be the focal point of the T20 one-day squad. This week he was made one of 5 Wisden Cricketers of the Year alongside England players Ben Stokes and Joe Root. Also featured were Australian captain Steve Smith and McCallum’s New Zealand teammate Kane Williamson.
“Adam’s return is something we are all delighted with. He may not have spent a huge amount of time with us but during the time he has been with us he has made an extremely positive impression. Adam continues to show what a high-quality player he is – and we know what a top bloke he is,” Angus Fraser, Middlesex managing director of cricket, told the club website.
With England one-day captain, Eoin Morgan, stepping down from his captaincy duties at Middlesex, New Zealander, James Franklin, will captain the side for its entire Royal London One-Day Cup matches and some county championship games, whilst Vogues is away.
“Firstly, I am honoured and excited to be named as captain of our fifty over side. We are desperate as a playing group to show that we can compete strongly in this format of the game and I feel confident that with the fantastic mix of youth and experience we have within the squad we have a great chance of doing so in 2016,” said the Wellington player.
London neighbours, Surrey begun the season with a tense opening day defeat in the Specsavers County Championship. The Oval outfit, led by new coach, Michael Di Venuto, are back in Division 1 alongside Middlesex, after winning the Division 2 title last season.
Last week they faced title contenders, Nottinghamshire, at Trent Bridge. A poor first innings batting display, see the South London side follow-on. But Arun Harinath struck a superb century to give them hope. Notts’ needing the 169 to win, had a late struggle but got over the line with to win by 3 wickets.
Surrey’s first home game of the season is on 24 April against Somerset in the Specsavers County Championship.
To follow Middlesex and Surrey fortunes throughout the season and to get tickets for T20, Royal One-Day Cup and Country Championship fixtures, go to www.kiaoval.com and www.middlesexccc.com
