Off-spinner James Middlebrook claimed his first five-wicket haul in the Championship for four years as Essex fought back against Middlesex.

The visitors were set for a formidable total as England opener Andrew Strauss hit 88 and Ed Joyce compiled 66.

But from 192-2 Middlesex slipped to 263-7 by stumps, with Ryan ten Doeschate taking two wickets.

Middlebrook and Doeschate vindicated skipper Mark Pettini's decision to field first on a greenish pitch.

Strauss and Billy Godleman had few alarms in putting on 85 for the first wicket before Middlebrook had the latter caught behind attempting a cut and Ed Smith snapped up at slip for a duck in consecutive overs.

Left-handers Strauss and Joyce got on top of the bowling by putting on a century partnership in 30 overs.

Middlebrook had other ideas, however, having Strauss caught behind cutting, and four more wickets fell quickly.

David Nash and Tim Murtagh were the off-spinner's other victims while ten Doeschate trapped Joyce lbw and had Eoin Morgan caught behind.