Middlesex cricketer’s column: Keeping Busy

There’s a lot of white-ball cricket being played at the moment, but we shouldn’t forget there’s an important County Championship game just around the corner.

Although we’re in a good position, we need to make amends for the Yorkshire loss. That means hitting the ground running against Warwickshire at Uxbridge.

It’s up to us to put runs on the board and take 20 wickets. Generally the wicket at Uxbridge is good – a lot of runs get scored and it’s always tough for the seamers.

I’ve been preparing with a run-out for my club Brondesbury, which was a good opportunity to go out and experiment with a few things, spend some time in the middle and get some runs.

I’ve got a game for the second XI as well and then it’s off to Uxbridge, where we’ll be welcoming Adam Voges into the four-day side, and he’ll certainly bolster our middle order.

Of course, Adam’s with us because Buck’s getting ready for the Ashes. It’s no surprise that he’s opening the batting for Australia because his record in first-class cricket is phenomenal.

He has a vast amount of experience in England and he’ll share that wealth of knowledge with the guys in the Australia camp. It’ll be a big challenge for him, being back at Test level after a number of years, but just as big a challenge for the England bowlers trying to get him out.

I know there’s been a bit of banter flying around between him and Finny over the last few weeks, so I don’t think any prisoners will be taken when the series starts!

I don’t think we give Australia enough credit for their bowling unit – they’ve got quality seamers like Pattinson, Starc and Siddle and, if they have a big say, it could be a genuine five-match series.

With that said my gut feeling is that England will be too strong, and I’m predicting a home win – either 2-1 or 3-1.