Compton set for Middlesex return

Nick Compton is set to return to first-class cricket following his self-imposed break after the Sri Lanka Test series having been named in the Middlesex squad for the County Championship match against Surrey at Lord's.

Compton was facing the axe after the Sri Lanka series having made just 51 runs in five innings before taking the decision to have a full break from the game. As he prepared to make his return, he said that he had spent some time with family completely away from cricket before focusing again on training.

"The first 10 days my dad was over so I went away with him, switched off my phone and stayed away from cricket," he told Sky Sports News. "Then when I came back I just tried to get back into good routines.

"That was key, just to get healthy again and clear the mind and make sure that when I came back I was fit and healthy and ready to go. There's no way you want to be making decisions when you're feeling a bit low and emotional.

"I'm still hungry to play cricket as competitively as I can. I've still got a number of years in the game. I'm looking forward to enjoying my cricket and playing positively."

Compton returned to the England side against South Africa, in Durban, last December where he made a key contribution of 85 and 49 to help earn a series lead. However, he did not pass fifty again during his time in the side.

He has the chance to help Middlesex to their first County Championship since 1993. They are currently top of the table, 13 points ahead of Durham who have a game in hand.