The 2024 County Championship season has begun and one Bedford based batsman has already stamped his mark with a spectacular maiden double century for Northamptonshire.
Emilio Gay already had four first-class tons to his name at Wantage Road, but the new season has kicked off with his best innings in Northants colours as he finessed his way to 261 runs from 401 balls.
Northamptonshire declared on 552-6 against Middlesex.
Gay scored 22 fours and a solitary six in a fine innings that saw shots played all around the wicket in a stellar display of batsmanship, setting a new record for an individual Northamptonshire innings against Middlesex.
It is also the 9th highest individual first class score by a Northamptonshire batsman in history.
Gay was eventually ran out by Max Holden – another young star who went on to score his own maiden double century.
Emilio also ably supported another young Northamptonshire star in James Sales to a career best 113 not out as Northants made good use of rare early April sunshine in the first two days.
With rain around on Monday’s final day, the game finished in a draw with Middlesex amounting an almighty 553-2 in response.
Northamptonshire also secured a draw in Hove against Sussex in the first round of Division Two fixtures in the first week of April.
Speaking to the Northamptonshire CCC media team after the first day, Emilio reflected finishing on what was already a career best, 165 not out.
“I think we’ve got to be as relentless as we can, and we’ve seen how important big scores are in the first innings. We’ve got to put the pressure on and push to 400 and 450 and hopefully we can get a wicket or too early.
“I’ve learnt we can’t be too ‘up’ in this sport, you’ve got to cash in and take your moments and tomorrow I’ve got to restart.”
Restart, Emilio did and then he cashed in big time in what is a career best by over 100 runs from his previous, setting Gay up what will hopefully be a successful, run-filled season for the Bedfordian.
Northamptonshire host Glamorgan in the next round of fixtures beginning on Friday 19th April.
