Middlesex Peeved After ECB Docks Two Points for Over Rate Offence

Middlesex Peeved After ECB Docks Two Points for Over Rate Offence

Middlesex chief executive Richard Goatley admitted to being disappointed after the England and Wales Cricket Board decided to deduct two points for an over-rate offence in the Division One County Championship clash against Surrey. Middlesex's dismay stems from the fact that the game had to be abandoned midway through the final day under bizarre circumstances after a crossbow bolt was fired into the ground.

It meant that Middlesex, who were batting in the second innings that time, were denied an opportunity to improve their over-rate - they were two overs behind - in the second innings in the final session of the day's play.

"Naturally this is an extremely disappointing decision," Goatley told the Middlesex website. "We have had several lengthy conversations with the England and Wales Cricket board over the past few days and asked them to consider the unique and non-cricket related circumstances surrounding the match's abandonment but ECB decided the penalty should stand.

"We have been advised that since the ECB has chosen to follow the published playing conditions in this instance, there is no scope for any further appeal."

Middlesex, the defending champions, are currently third from bottom in the Division One standing with 114 points and face a possibility of relegation to the lower rung of the championships if Somerset can close a 13-point gap in the three remaining rounds.