Middlesex to appeal over points deduction

Middlesex will today launch an appeal against the English Cricket Board's pitch panel's decision to deduct the county eight points. Middlesex lost the points after 17 wickets fell on the first day of their County Championship Division Two game with Glamorgan at Southgate.

An ECB statement declared: "The ECB's pitch panel - Mike Denness and Alan Fordham - rated the pitch for the PPP Healthcare County Championship match at Southgate between Middlesex and Glamorgan as poor.

"The pitch panel decided that there were no extenuating circumstances with respect to the preparation of the pitch and consequently Middlesex have been deducted eight points."

Middlesex were bowled out for 164 and Glamorgan were 144 for seven in reply at the close of play.

The ECB introduced new regulations relating to the condition of pitches before the current season began. If more than 15 wickets fall in a day action is taken against the host county.

Last month Derbyshire had eight points deducted for a poor pitch for the game against Surrey at Derby.