Leicestershire opt for youth

James Taylor will be competing with Greg Smith for a place in the line-up

Leicestershire travel to face Middlesex in the LV County Championship clash at Lord's with two England Under-19 internationals in their ranks.

The match is set to feature several talented youngsters at the home of cricket, with batsmen Greg Smith and James Taylor now available for the county after being on England U19 duty against New Zealand.

They will compete for places in the top-order, which has also featured Josh Cobb in recent weeks. Cobb, who turned 18 on Sunday, has impressed with stylish knocks against both Warwickshire and Gloucestershire and looks set to keep his place in the team.

Johan Malcolm will again compete for a batting all-rounder position, and with Matthew Boyce cemented in the team, there could be as many as five English under-23 players in the side if senior coach Tim Boon goes with youth for selection.

Leicestershire are looking for their first LV County Championship double of the season, which could help them make a late push up the table.

Andrew Strauss returns to county action for Middlesex.

He is set to open the innings alongside up-and-coming talent Dan Housego, with Billy Godleman overlooked.

Ed Joyce continues as captain in the absence of Ed Smith, who is still suffering from a broken ankle, whilst Owais Shah is on England duty in the NatWest Series.

Steven Finn looks set to be a direct replacement for Danny Evans, while Shaun Udal comes back into the squad at the expense of fellow spinner Gareth Berg

Tyron Henderson is also added to the side that was beaten by Derbyshire last week.