Fine tuning for Strauss

Andrew Strauss © Getty Images

Andrew Strauss returns to the Middlesex side for their clash against Nottinghamshire aiming to rediscover some form ahead of the first Test against West Indies.

The opener suffered at the hands of Australia this winter and was dropped for England's first matches of the World Cup.

Having learnt his trade through the county system, a championship match for Middlesex may be just what he needs to get him through his slump.

England hopeful Owais Shah will also be hoping to impress the England selectors before Peter Moores' first squad is announced later this week.

Middlesex missed out on the last round of matches, with a victory over Northamptonshire coming in their last four-day game.

Billy Godleman made 77 in that game and has retained his place in the side, despite the returning trio of Strauss, Ed Joyce and Jamie Dalrymple.

Ben Hutton and Nick Compton are the men to miss out, with both struggling this season.

Chris Wright has been brought into the side in place of experienced fellow seamer Chris Silverwood.

Nottinghamshire have named an unchanged side for the match against Middlesex as they seek to increase their lead in Division Two of the LV County Championship.

An innings victory over Glamorgan last week gave them a third successive win to extend their 100% record and open up a 23-point advantage over Somerset.

Jason Gallian and Samit Patel each scored centuries in the defeat of Glamorgan, while Mark Ealham and Charlie Shreck were on form with the ball.