A six-wicket haul for Middlesex's Tim Murtagh saw Essex bowled out for just 161 on the first day of their Division Two match at an overcast Lord's.

Murtagh claimed figures of 6-44 from his 16.2 overs as Essex lost their last seven wickets for 30 runs in 72 balls.

The in-form Ravi Bopara top-scored for the visitors, but his 43 off 85 balls failed to spare Essex's blushes.

Ed Smith and Billy Godleman then shared a stand of 65 before the former fell, Middlesex finishing the day on 75-1.

Smith was caught behind by James Foster off the bowling of David Masters to a ball that perhaps he should have left alone.

But Middlesex were still firmly on top come stumps, especially considering Essex had won the toss.

Tom Westley fell first, beaten by some late movement to offer wicket-keeper Ben Scott his first of five victims, before Grant Flower edged to slip.

Opener Jason Gallian and Bopara shared a third-wicket stand of 48 before Gallian (30) edged to the wicket-keeper to give the recalled Steve Finn his only wicket.

Mark Pettini loosely drove at Murtagh to Scott and next ball Ryan ten Doeschate chipped straight to midwicket, with James Foster fortunate to survive a leg before appeal for the hat-trick.

Bopara then fell chasing a wide one, James was brilliantly caught at gully and James Middlebrook then became Gareth Berg's third victim before Murtagh wrapped up the tail and put Middlesex firmly in the driving seat.