Shannon Gabriel skittles Middlesex

West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was in destructive mood as relegated Worcestershire bowled out Middlesex for just 98 on the opening day at New Road.

After a rain-delayed start, Gabriel took 5-31 to dent Middlesex's hopes of securing second place in Division One.

Only four batsmen reached double figures, and six made ducks, with John Simpson's 27 not out the top score.

Worcestershire replied by reaching 79-1 at the close, with Brett D'Oliveira 38 not out and Tom Fell on 37.

After their relegation back to Division Two was confirmed by defeat against Durham last week, the home side soon gave notice that they would not go down meekly when play finally got under way at 13:40 BST.

Joe Leach had Paul Stirling caught at point in the third over and Sam Robson became Gabriel's first victim when he edged into the slips before the paceman bowled Dawid Malan for a duck with his next delivery.

Jack Shantry removed Neil Dexter and Middlesex skipper James Franklin, both for nought, in a spell of 2-5 and they were finally all out at the start of the 35th over.

Middlesex went into the game 12 points clear of third-placed Nottinghamshire, as they look to achieve their best Championship finish since 1995.

The more county cricket our bowlers play, the better they will get. The WICB need to be very proactive and force these guys into the English county circuits.

Hopefully Gabriel continues his form into Sri Lanka.

Well maybe this makes them play better. Bowlers need to be submerged in these kinds of games so that they improve. The level of competence in the English county cricket will definitely help these guys. My question is why the WICB haven’t forced them before? Maybe this is the reason for the deterioration of the game.

Alot of our bowlers get English contracts. I remember Cory Collymore playing for Surrey and Middlesex. Tino Best played for a county too. Kemar Roach and Andre Russell bowled for Worcestershire a few years back. But WI selectors tend not to pick bowlers for the international team once they get some county experience (in Roach's case, he kept getting injured).

Kolpak.

Fidel Edwards took six wickets for Hampshire too. Unfortunately, both Hampshire and Worcestershire will be relegated to Division Two next year. Edwards has been magnificent for Hampshire all season long and has really bowled his heart out. Is there any chance he gets another shot at the Test level? I'd guess not, but in what I have seen of him for Hampshire, he is deserving of a recall.

Lloyd according to posters here looking for Tall black men a la Jason !

Lara also want them " good looking"

Castro fail on both counts  :-[

has the hair

Fidel has three more wickets today for Hampshire, giving him 9 in the match so far. Meanwhile, Gabriel has picked up two more wickets, his seventh in the match. A great performance by both in the final county championship matches of the season.

Ironical that they chose the relegation match to display Talent 

too late. too late shall be the cry