Middlesex on top

Middlesex seemed to be secure in their rain-abbreviated championship match against Worcestershire at Southgate. The visitors closed on 110-8. The day opened with Mark Ramprakash (101) going from 99 n.o. to his century and the home county to 303.

By then the pitch was favouring the bowlers and it was Johnson who made the most effective use. He dismissed Phil Weston before the Worcestershire opener had scored and took two further wickets. With several injuries on their hands England's selectors may have looked on Johnson's performance with favour. That is the opinion of Mike Gatting who said: "He is in good shape and bowling beautifully with the ball. If he can continue taking wickets he should figure in the future plans of the England team.'' Phil Tufnell, too, dismissed three wickets as only Steve Rhodes (21) offered resistance for the visitors who are 193 runs in arrears.