LANCASHIRE are hoping for quick wickets on Wednesday after enduring a tough day in the field against Middlesex.

Sven Koenig led the visitors to 323 for five at the close with a career best 170 not out, after being dropped earlier in his innings by Stuart Law. The left-hander reached his century from 188 balls. hitting 16 fours and a six.

He put on 92 for the first wicket with Ben Hutton until Gary Keedy broke the stand when Hutton was caught by James Anderson who, unlike Andrew Strauss, was given permission to play after missing the test match.

A three-wicket burst just before tea brought Lancashir back into the game. Hooper had Owais Shah stumped, Mahmood bowled Ed Joyce for a third ball duck and Anderson trapped Paul Weekes lbw.

When Keedy trapped Jamie Dalrymple lbw after the interval Middlesex were 237 for five. But Koenig was still going and in partnership with wicketkeeper David Nash saw his side past 300 with an unbeaten stand of 86.

Lancashire made a surprise change to their team by resting Dominic Cork and replacing him with batsmen Alec Swann. Keedy toiled manfully through 33 overs and deserved his two wickets while Glen Chapple was very economical.

With Lance Klusener still to bat Middlesex were looking for a score well in excess of 400 before facing Lancashire's in-form batsmen.

And they will need every run they can get, as Law, Hooper and company will be aiming to fill their boots when the chance comes.