New era for Middlesex coverage as Up The Middle launches on CounterPress
Lord's. Merchant Taylors. Uxbridge. Richmond. Radlett. Wherever Middlesex find themselves in 2026, a new dedicated media outlet will follow.
From March 2026, Up The Middle will provide eclectic coverage of the Seaxes' men's and women's sides, providing a valuable service to supporters at a time when reporting on the county game is increasingly sparse.
Led by experienced cricket journalists Ben Kosky and Jon Batham, the site promises to deliver expert insight, detailed analysis, cutting opinion and engaging features, focusing on Middlesex past, present and future.
Kosky is a sports journalist and author who has reported on Middlesex since 2008, as well as covering cricket for the BBC and Sky's online platforms. He is co-author with Batham of Middlesex CCC The Championship Years, published in 2023.
He said: “One of my highlights, both as a journalist and as a Middlesex fan, was being at Lord's on that electrifying final afternoon as the crowd swelled to watch the outcome of the County Championship title decider against Yorkshire in 2016.
“That highlighted how much Middlesex means to so many lovers of county cricket. Alongside Jon, I'm really looking forward to this exciting opportunity to focus on the club in depth again.”
Batham, sports journalist and audio commentator, grew up amid the golden era of Middlesex in the 80s and 90s and has been reporting on the Seaxes since the winter of 2006.
He said: “I'm excited by this opportunity to give fellow Middlesex fans the feel of once again having a regional press reporter, who has a strong relationship with the club built up over many years.
“It will be great as ever to work with my close friend and colleague Ben Kosky in bringing a fresh look and perspective on all things Middlesex CCC - Up the Middle.”
Middlesex fans can register their interest in membership of Up The Middle from December 1.
Everyone who adds their name will be entitled to a significant discount when the site formally opens for business on March 1, 2026.
Up The Middle is the sixth county cricket outlet to launch on CounterPress ahead of the 2026 summer.
The Hawk, covering Hampshire, continues to operate through the winter. The Chester, providing coverage of Durham, will return from its winter break on March 1.
Lanky Lanky will offer a brand new service for Lancashire fans from the start of March, while Surrey will be catered for by The Rey from February 1.
Sussex fans can look forward to independent cricket writing focused on their club, too, with From The Sea End set for a February 1 launch.
Further titles will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
CounterPress is a human-touch digital publishing platform which aims to revitalise reporting of England's national summer sport in 2026.
Co-founder Sam Morshead said: “Middlesex has had more than its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, with limited space in the national cricket conversation and regional publishers have largely abandoned the game and national column inches have rarely been afforded to the domestic circuit.
“Up The Middle will seek to change that, and with Ben and Jon at the helm members can be guaranteed local knowledge, real passion for their patch, and a determination to provide a service of value for the community.”
Be a part of change.
Sam Morshead
Co Founder
Are you ready for journalism's new future? Get in touch today to find out how CounterPress can work for you.