Middlesex in control after century stand

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Close, day two: Middlesex 298-8 lead Hampshire 176 by 122 runs

Nick Compton and John Simpson ground out half centuries as Middlesex established a strong lead over Hampshire on the second day at Lord’s.

The pair put on 111 for the sixth wicket to help Middlesex recover from 113-5 to eventually close on 298-8.

The home side scored at less than 2.5 an over but the partnership between Compton (87) and Simpson (64) helped swing the game back in Middlesex’s favour after a disastrous morning.

They lost both openers within the first 15 minutes of the day, Sam Robson making only 17 before he was trapped lbw by former team-mate Gareth Berg.

An hour later and two wickets fell in the same over as Joe Burns was bowled by Brad Wheal, who then had Eoin Morgan caught at slip for a second-ball duck.

And with lunch still half an hour away, skipper James Franklin became Berg’s second victim to leave Middlesex reeling.

But Compton and Simpson defied the Hampshire attack with their century stand which ended shortly before tea as the one-time England opener edged to slip. Simpson then added a further 36 with Ollie Rayner before edging behind off Jackson Bird.

Rayner (34 not out) and James Harris (15) extended the Middlesex lead with a 37 partnership and will hope to bowl their side into contention on Tuesday’s third day.

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