Two sides still hunting for their first win of the 2025 County Championship season will meet at Lord’s on Friday, as Middlesex host Glamorgan in a match that could help define early-season trajectories for both.
For Middlesex, there’s history to draw confidence from. They’ve had the better of Glamorgan in recent meetings, winning four of their last five red-ball encounters. That sort of dominance counts, especially when both teams are looking to break the inertia of early draws and underwhelming results.
The match will be played at Lord’s — a venue that hardly needs introduction. Early season at Lord’s often brings a green-tinged surface, offering seam movement on Day 1 and Day 2. However, the pitch typically flattens out well enough for batters to make big scores, particularly if they survive the new ball. That’s why batting first and putting up something around 350 remains the smart strategy, especially when chasing on Day 4 can be tricky under overhead conditions.
The toss prediction leans toward bowling first, and with some expected moisture in the early morning, that could make sense. But it’s a gamble — get it right, and you could have the opposition three down before lunch. Get it wrong, and you might find yourself chasing 450.
Players to Watch
Max Holden has looked solid at the crease for Middlesex and remains a key figure in their top order. Technically compact and patient, he thrives when others lose theirs. If the ball swings early, his ability to leave well outside off will be crucial.
Colin Ingram, on the other side, brings a wealth of experience to Glamorgan’s middle order. He’s capable of changing gears, whether it’s consolidation after early wickets or acceleration after lunch. His matchup against Middlesex’s right-arm seamers will be a tactical highlight.
With the ball, both sides will rely on movement rather than pace. Middlesex’s attack is disciplined, and Lord’s rewards that. Glamorgan’s seamers, however, have lacked penetration in recent matches, and unless that changes, they could struggle to apply scoreboard pressure.
Tactical Notes
- First innings runs will decide this match. Expect both teams to dig in, and sessions could be slow. Patience will be key.
- Field placements will matter. Expect captains to go with conservative setups early, but this is also the kind of game where a brave leg slip or short midwicket could produce results.
- Lord’s slope always plays a part. Bowlers who understand how to use it — angling it across the left-hander, curling it into the right-hander — tend to succeed.
Prediction
Middlesex start as slight favourites, and rightly so. They’ve had Glamorgan’s number in this format for some time, and playing at home gives them the edge — especially if Max Holden gets going and the new ball does what it usually does at Lord’s.
Prediction: Middlesex to win, with Holden likely to top-score and early breakthroughs setting the tone.
