Middlesex put to the sword by Powell

Warwickshire took an early advantage in their County Championship Division Two match with Middlesex at Lord's, thanks to an innings of 92 from opener Michael Powell.

Despite interruptions from rain and bad light, Warwickshire ended the first day on 228 for four against Middlesex, who are currently bottom of the table.

Warwickshire made an excellent start after winning the toss and electing to bat, losing just one wicket in the first session.

Middlesex bowled poorly and their one breakthrough came in the 12th over when Wagh edged Tim Bloomfield to Mark Ramprakash at second slip for 14.

Warwickshire punished the bowling, Powell reaching a half century with an imperious off-drive off England reject Phil Tufnell.

Dominic Ostler added 114 for the second-wicket before he was tempted into a rash drive by Richard Johnson and snicked a catch to wicketkeeper David Nash after a quickfire 52.

Middlesex looked as though they might capitalise on the breakthrough, as Powell was was then caught brilliantly in the covers, just eight short of a century.

Justin Langer then took a slip catch to remove Anurag Singh without scoring and a Middlesex resurgence looked feasable.

But rain and bad light intervened, and not before Dougie Brown and David Hemp had steered the Warwickshire innings beyond 200. Brown reached 28 in just 32 deliveries. including four fours in an over off the hapless Bloomfield.