Masterful Trott puts Middlesex on back foot

Middlesex wilted at the hands of former England batsman Jonathan Trott, who scored the second double century of the match to give the visitors the edge at Lord’s.

Keith Barker also produced a fine all-round display, scoring 81 to help Warwickshire to a first-innings lead and then removing Nick Gubbins (6) and Dawid Malan (0) before the close.

But the day belonged to Trott, who passed 200 for the fifth time in his storied career and was still unbeaten when his side were bowled out.

Middlesex began the day well with Toby Roland-Jones removing Tim Ambrose and Rikki Clarke, at which point Warwickshire were still 130 shy of the follow-on target with four wickets in hand.

But they met stubborn resistance in Trott who batted masterfully for the highest Championship score of his career.

His first hundred came in 158 balls and the second in 116, with 31 boundaries in an elegant knock with barely a false stroke.

Trott shared 143 with Barker, who grew into his innings as conditions for batting continued to improve.

Tim Murtagh trapped him in front with the new ball, but Trott, in the company of Jeetan Patel, continued on his merry way, adding 65 for the eighth wicket.

The return of James Harris yielded the wickets of Patel and Chris Wright to give Middlesex a third bowling point, but Warwickshire charged on and eventually took the lead as Trott and Oliver Hannon-Dalby put on 67.

After tea, Barker quickly picked up Gubbins and Malan, but Nick Compton and Middlesex’s own double centurion Sam Robson looked in assured touch as they played for stumps.

The home side’s lead stood at 60 at stumps and a fascinating final day – with all three results just about possible – lay in wait.