On This Day: Tony Middleton Hits Double Hundred

Hampshire Cricket's historian Dave Allen takes a look back on timely memorable moments in his ‘On This Day’ series.

Hampshire v Surrey, County Championship: 19th May – 22nd May 1992

In the County Championship – on the 20th May 1992 - Hampshire begun day two of their fixture against Surrey at Southampton in a powerful position, 351-2 with Tony Middleton (162*) and Kev James (21*) at the crease.

The previous day had seen Middleton and Paul Terry (131) add 267 for the first wicket, which remains their highest opening partnership v Surrey.

James went early on day two, after which another left-hander, Julian Wood scored 38 and Middleton moved on to his highest first-class score of 221, helping Hampshire to declare on 552-9.

Malcolm Marshall with 6-58 then led the dismissal of Surrey for 184. Hampshire enforced the follow-on and while the Bicknell brothers led better resistance with half-centuries, Hampshire’s bowlers shared the wickets.

On the third evening Surrey, seven down, still needed 73 to make Hampshire bat again. They managed that but only just and Hampshire’s openers with 1* each, won it by 10 wickets in four balls.

Middleton enjoyed a wonderful 1992 season with 1,780 runs at a fraction below 50, including six first-class centuries.