Maddy shines for under-fire Bears

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Edgbaston (day one, close): Middlesex 285-9 v Warwicks

Scorecard

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Warwickshire captain Darren Maddy led from the front against Middlesex on day one as problems mounted for his team.

With his seam-bowling department badly affected by injury, Maddy took responsibility himself and seized 4-25 as Middlesex closed on 285-9.

Maddy had watched in dismay as overseas paceman Monde Zondeki pulled up with a groin injury after sending down only 13 deliveries with the new ball.

The South African limped off the field and was immediately sent for a scan.

The Bears were still digesting that blow when news arrived their other overseas signing for this summer, Sanath Jayasuriya, had withdrawn from his contract for the Twenty20.

Bottom-of-the-table Middlesex sensed a chance to kick-start their season when, after Billy Godleman edged Naqaash Tahir to wicket-keeper Tony Frost, second-wicket pair Ed Smith and Owais Shah added 94 in 36 overs.

They adopted a patient approach, only to both throw away their good work.

Maddy's first ball was a long hop that Shah, after scoring 36 from 101 balls, pulled straight to Ian Westwood at mid-wicket.

If Shah returned to the pavilion cursing himself, Smith did so even more loudly.

The captain reached 85 but then slapped another short ball from Maddy to Ant Botha at point.

Maddy removed Eoin Morgan lbw and when Vernon Philander clipped a half-volley to Jimmy Anyon at mid-wicket, Middlesex had lost 4-54 and were 167-5.

Their final position of 285-9 was due entirely to some recovery work from Ed Joyce (60) and Shaun Udal, who made an unbeaten 40.