Stirling tarnishes Morkel's reputation with superb shot

4, 1, 0 were last three scores of Paul Stirling before he went out to bat in his first Vitality Blast match against Surrey at Lord’s. That or the presence of Morne Morkel in the opposition ranks, however, had no bearing on his match-winning performance for Middlesex.

4, 1, 0 were last three scores of Paul Stirling before he went out to bat in his first Vitality Blast match against Surrey at Lord’s. That or the presence of Morne Morkel in the opposition ranks, however, had no bearing on his match-winning performance for Middlesex.

Stirling shone with both and ball to lead Middlesex to a three-wicket victory over Surrey. Stirling took apart former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel.

The Irish opening batsman was batting on 26 when the opposition captain Jade Dernbach threw the ball to his most experienced bowler – Morne Morkel – hoping to get a breakthrough. But Stirling had other ides as he greeted Morkel with a nonchalant flick shot that flew over the square-leg boundary for a huge six.

“Not worried about the reputation of Morne Morkel,” was the response from Mike Atherton in the commentary box.

Stirling hit another six, going on to score a 33-ball 66 to lead the 159-run chase of Middlesex. They reached with three wickets in hand.

Earlier, Stirling also took three wickets with the ball conceding only 26 runs. He adjudged the Man of the Match.