Essex are still 222 runs behind Middlesex and facing the prospect of an innings defeat after slipping to 200-4 in their second innings at Lord's.

Eoin Morgan fell for 96 and Ben Scott made 60 as hosts Middlesex piled up a mighty 583 in their first innings.

Dirk Nannes picked up three wickets in Essex's second innings, including the in-form Ravi Bopara, who fell to a poor shot after making an entertaining 54.

Mark Pettini and Ryan ten Doeschate put on an unbeaten 81 before stumps.

Much will rest on the duo's shoulders on the final day after Australian Nannes ripped through the top order.

He removed Jason Gallian with his first ball of the innings and dismissed Grant Flower for a duck with a fine, inswinging delivery before adding the vital wicket of Bopara.

Gareth Berg also weighed in, dismissing Tom Westley for 21 thanks to an agile catch by wicket-keeper Scott low to his right.

Earlier, the home side passed 500 for the first time since the first match in 2007 against Somerset.

Spinner Danish Kaneria enjoyed some success in deceiving Scott and then clean-bowling Morgan.

He added the wickets of Berg, Nannes and Tim Murtagh but Shaun Udal (31 not out) and Berg added useful runs and his seven wickets cost 157 runs.