A Match To Remember: Fletcha Middleton

Having recently signed a new deal with Hampshire, we have taken a look back at one of Fletcha Middleton’s best performances for the Rose & Crown.

Coming into the 2023 season, Middleton had just 11 First XI appearances to his name – ten in 50-over cricket, alongside a First-Class debut against a Sri Lanka Development side.

His evident potential saw him rewarded with a spot at the top of the order in Hampshire’s opening County Championship fixture against newly promoted Nottinghamshire at The Ageas Bowl.

After the visitors were bowled out for 185, thanks to a six-wicket haul from Mohammad Abbas, Middleton was given his first taste of County Championship action.

Though wickets fell around him, the 21-year-old remained calm. He scored 59 from 113 balls – which ended up being the highest score of Hampshire’s first innings as they made it to a total of 231.

Another impressive display with the ball again saw Nottinghamshire bowled out for 200 before lunch on day three, and left James Vince’s side needing just 132 to win.

Again, Middleton led from the front, striking eight fours on his way to 65 from 121 balls. Though he did not finish the job, his innings – and 111-run partnership with Nick Gubbins – had laid the groundwork, as Hampshire went on to win two balls after tea.

The youngster’s back-to-back half-centuries proved to be just the start of a eye-catching first season, as he was ever present in the red-ball side and finished with 610 runs, which included two more scores over 50.

Take a look at his best bits from the match below.