The Middlesex side, loaded with successful England players like Parfitt, Titmus, Murray and Russell, have promised so much for the last two seasons but have somehow failed to live up to expectations. And their opponents are not without talent. They have former England captain Mike Smith who plays well in 40-over cricket, Alan Smith, the playing member of the England selectors, Rohan Kanhai, and Lance Gibbs.

During today's tea interval, at approximately 4.0 pm, Lord's Taverner Sam Kydd reads The Pavilion Cat by E. V. Lucas.

Frank Bough introduces the programme which includes news of all today's other cricket fixtures: Derbyshire v Surrey, Gloucestershire v Somerset, Hampshire v Essex, Kent v Worcestershire, Leicestershire v Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire v Yorkshire, Sussex v Lancashire