CHELTENHAM — New Zealand captain Kane Williamson showcased his class with an unbeaten century as Middlesex reached 232-3 on a rain-interrupted opening day against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham College. The visitors, opting to bat first, relied heavily on Williamson’s composed 104* to steady their innings after early wickets.
Williamson anchors Middlesex after shaky start
Middlesex suffered early setbacks as Gloucestershire’s seamers exploited the overcast conditions. Sam Robson (12) edged a probing delivery from David Payne to second slip, while Max Holden (18) fell LBW to a sharp inswinger from Zaman Akhter. At 45-2, Williamson walked in and immediately looked assured, driving elegantly through the covers.
The 33-year-old built crucial partnerships, first adding 68 with Stevie Eskinazi (31) and then an unbroken 119-run stand with Ryan Higgins (45*). Williamson’s innings featured:
- 14 boundaries, including a lofted six over long-on
- A strike rate of 62.65 despite challenging conditions
- Only one chance – a dropped catch at gully on 87
Rain disrupts momentum
Play was interrupted three times by showers, costing 32 overs. Williamson acknowledged the frustration, telling reporters: "It’s never easy starting and stopping, but credit to our guys for maintaining focus. The pitch had enough in it for the bowlers, so we had to be patient."
Gloucestershire rue missed opportunities
The hosts’ fielding lapses proved costly. Apart from Williamson’s reprieve, Higgins survived a sharp caught-behind appeal on 22 when UltraEdge showed no spike. Gloucestershire captain Graeme van Buuren admitted: "On another day we take those chances and it’s a different game. Kane’s world-class – you can’t afford to give him lives."
Key bowling figures:
- David Payne: 1-42 from 15 overs
- Zaman Akhter: 1-38 from 13 overs
- Matt Taylor: 0-51 from 12 overs
Williamson’s red-ball mastery continues
The century marked Williamson’s third in five County Championship appearances this season, taking his average to 72.83. His adaptability stood out – early on he left judiciously before accelerating against the older ball. Middlesex batting coach Mark Ramprakash noted: "His game awareness is phenomenal. He assesses conditions quicker than most and makes batting look effortless."
Statistical highlights:
- 42nd first-class century
- 4th consecutive 50+ score for Middlesex
- Now averages 89.40 at Cheltenham College
Day two outlook
With better weather forecast, Middlesex will aim to push towards 400. The pitch is expected to flatten, though Gloucestershire’s bowlers may find early assistance with the new ball due at 80 overs. Williamson emphasized the need to build on the platform: "We’ve got to be ruthless tomorrow. First innings runs could be crucial given the weather around."
Play resumes at 11:00 BST, with 98 overs scheduled. All eyes will be on whether Williamson can convert his century into a career-best first-class score – his current highest remains 242 not out.