Even as Middlesex were relegated in 2023, no opener in Division One scored more runs than the former England batter
Former England opener Sam Robson has extended his contract with Middlesex, a major boost for the county on the back of County Championship relegation and well-documented off-field issues.
Robson, who played seven Tests in 2014, scored the most runs of any opening batter in the top flight last season, with a century in the tied draw with Northamptonshire at Merchant Taylors' and further hundreds in September against Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire as Middlesex fought in vain for their Division One survival.
His effort at Trent Bridge was his 28th first-class ton for the county since debuting in 2008, with 45 fifties on top in a stellar career for the 34-year-old.
"He has shown, time and time again, what a dependable, gutsy, and classy batsman he is, and his record over the last fifteen years with Middlesex is exceptional," said Alan Coleman, the club's director of cricket.
"In my opinion he has been extremely unlucky to have not played more for England as a Test opener, however I know he still maintains strong aspirations to do so. His form in the second half of last season showed that he is coming into his best years as a batter and if he continues in that fashion has got every chance of achieving that ambition.
"Sam is a huge part of this Middlesex side, and as one of the senior players in our squad, is someone the younger players in our group take great inspiration from. He is a terrific role-model for our less experienced players and is always keen to give his time and wealth of experience to assist in their development."
Robson made three first-class hundreds in 2023 (Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Robson was set to be one of several senior players out of contract at Middlesex at the end of next season. Fellow opener Mark Stoneman is entering the final year on his deal, as is leading seamer Ethan Bamber.
Toby Roland-Jones, whose most recent deal was only due to run until the end of the 2023 season, is also expected to sign on for a further year. John Simpson, the long-serving wicketkeeper, had one more year on his deal but instead departed for Sussex, who offered him a three-year contract.
Robson's commitment also comes as a boost after first-team coach Richard Johnson admitted that the club's financial state made them vulnerable to approaches from other counties for their best players. Robson, a reliable red-ball opener in difficult conditions, certainly counts among them.
Robson's new deal takes him through to the end of the 2026 campaign, by which time he will be 37. He has only played seven T20 matches in the last 12 years but has played a part in the One-Day Cup, as well as being a key cog in Middlesex's four-day unit.
He added: "Despite last season being a challenging one for the team back in Division One, I still absolutely love being a Middlesex player.
"I love calling Lord's home and with some of my best innings for the club having come in recent seasons, hopefully I can continue to build on this more in the coming seasons.
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