Max Holden’s unbeaten 135 rescues Middlesex after Bailey’s devastating opening spell at Lord’s.

Max Holden rose to the occasion with a career-defining unbeaten 135 as Middlesex fought their way back from a perilous 7-3 on day three of their County Championship clash against Lancashire. The left-hander’s sixth first-class hundred revived his side’s hopes in a match that appeared to be slipping away before lunch.

Tom Bailey looked to have broken Middlesex’s resistance early on, taking 3-2 in 15 balls in a devastating burst that had the hosts in chaos. Nathan Fernandes, clearly unsettled, was the first to go—edging a ball he should’ve left to Matty Hurst. Sam Robson followed, trapped plumb in front by a beautiful Bailey delivery that jagged in and left no doubt in the umpire’s mind. Two balls later, Leus du Ploy flashed hard and needlessly at a wide one, gifting Hurst a second catch and leaving Middlesex reeling.

But Holden remained calm. Just as he had in the first innings, he became Middlesex’s anchor—resolute in defence, elegant through the covers, and ruthless on anything short. He struck 13 boundaries, including a glorious on-drive to reach his century, and never once looked flustered despite the early carnage.

He found his first partner in the ever-dependable Ryan Higgins, who added a vital 43 in a 106-run stand. Higgins looked assured from the outset, pulling confidently and cutting well before a sharp ball from George Balderson knocked back his stumps just as Middlesex edged into the lead.

The standout support act, however, came from Ben Geddes, making his debut. Though scratchy at first, he grew into his innings, showcasing fluent off-drives and confident footwork to reach 74. Together, he and Holden compiled 163 runs, taking the sting out of the Lancashire attack and swinging momentum back towards the hosts.

By tea, the lead had extended to 72, and Middlesex accelerated after the break. Geddes reached his half-century with a crisp boundary before falling to the second new ball under controversial circumstances—replays suggested no contact with the bat as a catch was taken behind.

There was just enough time for nightwatchman Blake Cullen to edge to slip, but with Holden still unbeaten, Middlesex ended the day on 288-6, leading by 189 runs.

Lancashire had earlier resumed their first innings on 353-9, adding just six more before Zafar Gohar finished with 4-79, dismissing Saturday’s centurion Marcus Harris for a fine 138.

For all their early dominance, Lancashire will feel they let Middlesex off the hook. Bailey, brilliant before lunch, found little joy after, and while Balderson and Will Williams bowled with discipline, it was Holden’s composure and class that stole the day.

The match is now finely poised heading into day four. With Holden still at the crease and Middlesex pushing towards a defendable lead, the game remains open. A dramatic finish beckons at Lord’s, with both sides still eyeing vital Division Two points.