Did The Oval crossbow bolt incident cause Middlesex's County Championship relegation?
The side were docked two points for a slow over rate despite their match against Surrey being called off for obvious reasons.
On Thursday (September 28), the side were relegated by just a single point.
Middlesex batsmen John Simpson and Nick Compton and Surrey's fielders were ushered off the pitch by the umpires after a crossbow bolt thudded into the outfield when the sides met at The Oval on Thursday August 31, forcing the match to be abandoned.
More than 1,000 spectators at The Oval were then quickly urged to take cover before armed police carried out a "controlled evacuation" .
The captain of Surrey County Cricket Club Gareth Batty, praised the reaction of officials and supporters following the incident .
But the abandonment meant Middlesex were denied the chance to improve their over-rate in the remainder of the final session.
"Naturally, this is an extremely disappointing decision," said Middlesex chief executive Richard Goatley after the side's failed appeal over the points deduction on Saturday September 9.
"We have had several lengthy conversations with the England and Wales Cricket board over the past few days and asked them to consider the unique and non-cricket related circumstances surrounding the match's abandonment but ECB decided the penalty should stand.
"We have been advised that since the ECB has chosen to follow the published playing conditions in this instance, there is no scope for any further appeal."
- A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted GBH on Saturday September 2 in connection with the incident and was released on bail, pending further enquiries.
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