Higgins stars with ball and bat as Middlesex rout Northants at Lord's

Middlesex ripped through Northamptonshire for 103 before building a 152-run lead on a breathless opening day at Lord's.

The Division Two County Championship game, played on 24 September, completed both first innings — each side's first turn to bat — in a single day. Middlesex closed in firm control after making 255 in reply, according to BBC Sport.

Northamptonshire chose to bat first. The call backfired fast.

Captain Luke Procter won the toss and opted to bat. He was gone three balls later. Toby Roland-Jones removed him for a duck, out without scoring, and the visitors never recovered.

James Sales stood tallest with 43. No one else passed 20. Danru Ferns took 4-29 and Ryan Higgins took 4-30 as Northamptonshire folded cheaply.

Middlesex then wobbled in reply. Ben Sanderson claimed 4-68 to keep the contest alive.

Higgins answered with the bat. He struck 115, the only century of the day. Ben Geddes supported him with 57.

Harry Duke added 28. His 69-run stand with Higgins steadied the home side and stretched the advantage past 100. The last wickets fell quickly, but the damage was done.

The fixture is the 54th match of County Championship Division Two 2026. It is scheduled for 24-27 September at Lord's in London.

It is also Middlesex's final match of the 2026 season, a point confirmed in the club's pre-match preview, according to Middlesex CCC.

For fans, this means a simple equation. Three days remain. Middlesex already lead by 152.

Northamptonshire must bat far better second time around. Another soft dismissal will leave Middlesex chasing a small target for victory.