COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Southgate
Middlesex v Leicestershire
28 April-1 May (Play starts 1100 BST)
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Middlesex 281-2 (Middx 2pts, Leics 0pts)

Andrew Strauss ended 2008 with successive Middlesex centuries

England captain Andrew Strauss warmed up for Test duty next week in style as he dominated a rain-hit first day of Middlesex's clash with Leicestershire.

Strauss hit 150 in a Middlesex score of 281-2, dominating a second-wicket stand of 244 with Aussie Philip Hughes, who was unbeaten on 99 at the early close.

Strauss's third successive Championship century for Middlesex helped him resume where he left off last September.

And he was well backed by the in-form Hughes, who hit a debut ton last week.

England skipper Andrew Strauss told BBC London 94.9:

"You come back from the West Indies and it's quite important to adapt to English conditions again so it was good to spend some time in the middle.

"I felt good, I felt pretty balanced, when you get a few away early you feel like you've sized up the wicket well.

"I played pretty aggressively in the West Indies and when you're in good form you can afford to do it."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version