Roland-Jones hits back after batsman fail

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Close, day one: Warwickshire 123-4 trail Middlesex 167 by 44 runs

Middlesex’s batting demonstrated its fragility again as another collapse put them on the back foot after the first day at Edgbaston.

Just a few days after making a mammoth 472 to beat Yorkshire, Middlesex this time lost eight wickets for just 32 runs as they were bowled out for 167.

Their total was only boosted by terrific knocks from tailenders Ollie Rayner (31), Toby Roland-Jones (25) and Steve Finn (37 not out).

Roland-Jones then took three wickets to check Warwickshire’s progress but the home side are set to take a first innings.

Middlesex came into the match full of confidence after Chris Rogers’ double century led them to an unlikely victory at Lord’s on Wednesday.

But although he was well supported on that occasion by Neil Dexter’s 72 not out, the batting has largely flattered to deceive – and that was the case again here.

Winning the toss, Middlesex reached 34-0 when Sam Robson fell victim to a fine slip catch as he tried to drive.

Dawid Malan went the same way, Neil Dexter was bowled and when Rogers, who made a comparatively respectable 34, was out, Middlesex were on 57-4.

A procession of wickets then followed as John Simpson, Adam Rossington, Joe Denly and James Harris all made single figure scores to leave Middlesex reeling on 66-8.

Rayner and Roland-Jones led a mini-recovery with a stand of 40 either side of lunch, the latter hitting five fours in a 20-ball knock of 25.

After he departed, Finn joined in the fun while Rayner played a more watchful role. The tall paceman hit five fours and a six and remained unbeaten when Rayner edged Jeetan Patel to slip.

Middlesex then required the lower order to be as good with the ball as they were with the bat.

Roland-Jones obliged, bowling Varun Chopra and Laurie Evans inside the first 10 overs of the reply.

A couple of solid partnerships followed, ended when Neil Dexter had Ian Westwood caught by Rayner and Roland-Jones castled Hain, who had made a patient 42.

Ateeq Javid and Tim Ambrose ensured no further damage was done though and Warwickshire closed just 44 runs behind, with six wickets still in hand.

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