Ryan Higgins struck his first century for 20 months before Ben Raine hit back with a five-for on a truncated day two of Middlesex’s County Championship clash with Durham at Lord’s.

Allrounder Higgins hadn’t passed three figures since August 31, 2024, but ended the drought with a pugnacious 131, sharing a seventh-wicket stand of 125 with Zafar Gohar (56), who passed 50 for the second innings running.

However, Raine gained reward for his nagging accuracy with two further wickets to add to his three from day one as he returned 5 for 58, the 18th five-wicket haul of his first class career. At the other end of the spectrum, 22-year-old Luke Robinson, who came in as an injury substitute for Kemar Roach on day one, picked up his maiden first-class wicket as the hosts were bowled out for 430.

England hopeful Emilio Gay then led the reply with a stylish unbeaten 75 at almost a run a ball as the visitors raced to 135 for 1 though Middlesex may live to rue dropping him at slip on 24. Whether England captain Ben Stokes, who was bowling in the nets earlier the day was still in attendance to see his effort remains to be seen.

The morning belonged exclusively to Middlesex. Resuming on 272 for 6 Higgins gave their effort early impetus, employing the hook shot to good effect against Matthew Potts.

Gohar, who’d been new to the crease the previous evening, was initially scratchy spending 30 balls over his first three runs before being given a life when David Bedingham dropped him off a flashing edge at second slip, the ball carrying to the fence.

Freed up by the reprieve, Gohar went on the attack depositing short balls first from Kasey Aldridge and then Robinson into the Grandstand.

At the other end, Higgins, whose early season batting form had been poor by his standards inched his way through the 90s before unfurling a lovely cover drive to reach the century which had proved elusive for so long.

Gohar’s fifty came shortly after lunch courtesy of a cracking straight drive, but Raine made sure he didn’t remain for much longer, uprooting his off stump as he swung across the line.

As so often after a long stand, Higgins’ magnificent effort came to an end soon afterwards, Raine completing his five-wicket haul aided by a tremendous grab at slip by Aldridge low to his left.

The innings’ end came with Robinson’s magical moment, Toby Roland-Jones trapped in front for a duck.

Inspired by his batting, Higgins soon struck with ball in hand, trapping Alex Lees lbw, but that served to bring Gay to the crease.

The 26-year-old left-hander picked up where he’d left off against Lancashire last week, driving and cutting with authority from the get-go.

However, when you’re under the England spotlight you need a stroke of luck and Gay’s came on 24 when Sebastian Morgan found the edge only for the usually reliable Sam Robson to shell the routine chance at slip.

Scare survived, Gay forged on, his eighth four bringing him to 50 in only 46 balls, while another of those on the England radar, former U19 skipper Ben McKinney, proved an excellent foil in their century stand.

Gay hoisted Gohar for six in the gathering gloom, but his century, if that’s what it’s to be, would have to wait for another day as bad light and rain brought a halt with 17 overs left un-bowled.