Ramprakash is first to 1,000 run milestone

Mark Ramprakash continued to distance himself from a disappointing experiment as a Test opener by becoming the first English player to reach 1,000 first-class runs this summer.

The Middlesex batsman scored his fourth century in nine innings, for a total of 700 runs, since he reverted to No 4 in the county team after losing his England place.

Ramprakash made a polished 120 not out in four hours at Edgbaston to give skipper Justin Langer an opportunity to apply pressure on Warwickshire with a lunchtime declaration at 380 for eight.

With nearly nine hours lost in the first three days, Middlesex scented an outside chance of exploiting uncertainty in Warwickshire's batting after five Championship games without a win.

Though Mark Wagh and Dominic Ostler made some headway, they wobbled at 125 for four until David Hemp instigated a strong recovery with an unbeaten 78.

The former Glamorgan left hander found his touch in only his fourth Championship half-century of the season and went on to hit 15 fours. Dougie Brown provided the necessary support in an unbroken stand of 86 as Warwickshire closed at 211 for four.

Warwickshire's progress to the NatWest Trophy final has masked a poor run in other competitions and now they have injury problems before the Lord's meeting with holders Gloucestershire next Saturday.

Opener Nick Knight may need surgery on a damaged knee and, along with fast bowler Allan Donald, he will not play in next week's Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road.