Dawson keen to make mark

Richard Dawson will be making his Championship debut for Northants against Middlesex

Richard Dawson will be making his LV County Championship debut for Northants when they travel to Lord’s to play Middlesex.

The off-spinner signed for Northants after being released by Yorkshire at the end of the 2006 season and will be keen to make a mark for his new county.

Johan van der Wath will also be hoping to make an impression after taking 5-12 in 7.4 overs against Cambridge UCCE two weeks ago.

The Northants top-order got a good workout with the bat against the students with Stephen Peters (112), Chris Rogers (138), Riki Wessels (97) and Rob White (108) all contributing hefty scores to the total of 577 for six declared.

David Sales returns to captain the side after sitting out the innings and 329-run victory at Fenners. He takes the place of Andrew Crook who has been dropped after making a third-ball duck.

Middlesex have named an unchanged side for the home clash against Northants after a high-scoring draw against Somerset last week.

England hopeful Owais Shah made 193 and 72 not out at Taunton and will be looking to add to his tally at Lord’s.

New captain Ed Smith also contributed 68 and 103 not out to the Middlesex total, with Billy Godleman (113 not out) and David Nash (100 not out) also reaching the century milestone.

The bowlers struggled on a flat pitch but overseas signing Murali Kartik managed four wickets in the Somerset innings and is likely to enjoy bowling at the home of cricket this week.

Tim Murtagh will also be hoping for a good showing at his new home after moving across the river from Surrey at the end of last season.