Joyce ton puts Middlesex on top

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP Division Two, Lord's, day one (close):
Middlesex 285-6 v Leicestershire

Match scorecard

Acting captain Ed Joyce struck his first Championship century of the season to help Middlesex to 285-6 after the opening day against Leicestershire.

Joyce recorded 14 fours in his 19th first-class hundred, sharing 124 with Andrew Strauss, who made a fluent 71.

Strauss also hit 14 fours but, when in looking in complete control, he advanced down the wicket to Claude Henderson and chipped to square-leg.

Joyce reached his century with a pulled four but edged behind in the same over.

The Foxes took the early wicket of young opener Dan Housego, but their bowlers lacked penetration on the docile surface.

Talented youngster Dawid Malan powered his way to 46 but chopped Garnett Kruger onto his stumps four short of his third fifty of the season.

Kruger picked up his third wicket moments before bad light ended play when Shaun Udal was caught at point.