Off the first ball of the 15th over, bowled by Steven Mullaney, Eskinazi drilled back a full delivery. It travelled towards Sam Robson at the non-striker’s end, who tried to drag his foot out of the ball’s path, but couldn’t help as the ball knocked into him. It trickled back towards the bowler Mullaney, who happily collected the ball and threw it towards the wicketkeeper.

Robson was out of his crease, but Mullaney had the presence of mind to turn back at the striker’s end where Eskinazi had – for some reason – travelled halfway down the pitch. A once-bounce throw was easily received by wicketkeeper Tom Moores, who whipped off the bails. Robson, on his knees, looked back towards his batting partner, who walked away for 9 off 12.

Robson continued to soldier on, despite little help from his teammates. Barring him and Joshua De Caires, none of the Middlesex batters in the top-seven crossed 20, but Robson’s unbeaten 105 helped Middlesex reach 224-6, after which they declared in a bid to force the issue and achieve the win that would have secured their Division One status for another year.

Chasing 207, Nottinghamshire looked like they were losing their way at 157-7, but Matthew Montgomery ensured the side reached home. Robson was their obstacle once again, his 4-64 keeping Middlesex in the game, but couldn’t prevent a two-wicket win in the end. Middlesex’s defeat meant that they were ultimately relegated from Division One of the County Championship, finishing in ninth place seven points behind Kent whose final round draw against Lancashire was enough to secure survival. Middlesex join Northamptonshire as the other relegated side from Division One. Durham and Worcestershire were the two sides promoted from Division Two.

Watch the unfortunate run out of Stevie Eskinazi here:

When you hit the ball into your partner and get run out…

Harsh luck for Stevie Eskinazi#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/MVJpaZVCxS

— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) September 29, 2023