Nottinghamshire v Middlesex: Roland-Jones pressures hosts

County Championship Division One, Trent Bridge
Close, day one: Nottinghamshire 278, Middlesex 12-0
Middlesex 3pts, Notts 2pts
Match scorecard

Half-centuries from James Taylor and Ed Cowan held up a Toby Roland-Jones-inspired Middlesex on a competitive first day at Trent Bridge.

Australia opener Cowan made 61 on his debut, but was third to fall as Roland-Jones tore through the Notts top order.

It left Taylor to add a 55 in nearly four hours at the crease, but Roland Jones's career-best 6-63 saw the home side bowled out for 278.

Middlesex survived two overs before the close to finish on 12-0.

VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Nottingham's Dave Bracegirdle:

"On his county debut, Ed Cowan gave a glimpse of the doggedness we may see in Australian colours later in the summer.

"The left-handed opener top-scored with 61, having begun the day with boundaries from the first three deliveries he faced.

"James Taylor compiled a patient half-century also but too many Notts batsmen got themselves out when set, particularly Riki Wessels, whose run-out was comically poor."

BBC London 94.9's Kevin Hand:

"A fascinating battle between bat and ball, with the pitch playing surprisingly well on the opening day of the season at Trent Bridge.

"Middlesex may have been a little concerned when the hosts reached 204-4 after tea. However, Toby Roland-Jones finished with a career-best haul, including the first four wickets to fall, and was the star throughout.

"Ed Cowan had got Nottinghamshire off to a flier with his half century, but will feel he have his wicket away softly, while James Taylor was as defiant as ever for his 50."