Click here for scorecard

Sven Koenig's century at the top of the Middlesex order set the foundation for a solid total against Durham at The Riverside.

But Koenig was dismissed soon after reaching 100, which provided the impetus for Durham to reduce Middlesex to 326-8 at stumps.

Angus Fraser's decision to bat first looked a good one when Koenig (100) and Andrew Strauss (70) put on 103 for the first wicket.

But, starting with Koenig's dismissal, Middlesex lost four wickets for 41 runs as Durham's attack found its rhythm.

Each of Durham's six bowlers got amongst the wickets, with Simon Brown and Steve Harmison both taking two for 65.

It could have been far worse for the visitors if not for the resilience of wicketkeeper David Nash, who faced 125 deliveries for his unbeaten 55.

Durham: J J B Lewis (Capt), J A Daley, M L Love, P D Collingwood, N Peng, G J Muchall, A Pratt (Wkt), A M Davies, N C Phillips, S J Harmison, S J E Brown.

Middlesex: A J Strauss, S G Koenig, R M S Weston, O A Shah, E C Joyce, A A Noffke, P N Weekes, D C Nash (Wkt), S J Cook, A R C Fraser (Capt), P C R Tufnell.