Middlesex sign Harry Duke on loan after Cracknell injury crisis
Middlesex have secured Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batter Harry Duke on a two-week loan. The move follows an injury to Joe Cracknell during their match against Lancashire at Old Trafford. Rain then disrupted play, leaving Middlesex at 116-5 when Duke came in at No.7. Lancashire batted first and were bowled out for 201, with Keaton Jennings top-scoring at 67. Middlesex’s attack performed strongly, as Toby Roland-Jones, Ryan Higgins, and Sebastian Morgan each claimed three wickets.
On the first day, Cracknell suffered a finger injury, ruling him out of the game. Jack Davies was also unavailable for personal reasons, forcing Middlesex to bring Duke on as a substitute at the start of the second day. He scored 3 runs before rain halted play.
The team’s next fixture against Derbyshire falls within the eight-day cooling period for injury replacements. If Davies returns, Duke could still serve as backup keeper for that match. Duke’s loan provides Middlesex with cover during a testing period. His availability for the Derbyshire game depends on Davies’ return and the injury rules. The side will look to build on their bowling performance after a rain-affected start.
