Morgan ton puts Middlesex in command

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Close, day three: Lancs 266 & 15-1 trail Middlesex 459-8 dec by 178 runs

Eoin Morgan’s first County Championship century for five years helped Middlesex into a potentially match-winning position on a rain-affected third day at Lord’s.

Morgan, hoping to regain the England Test place he lost in 2012, made 103 as he and Neil Dexter (51) extended their overnight stand to 126.

A burst of wickets briefly hauled Lancashire back into contention but the game was firmly taken away from them by John Simpson (50) and Ollie Rayner (77).

They declared on 459-8, a lead of almost 200, and Tim Murtagh removed Luis Reece late in the day to put Middlesex firmly on top.

After poor weather had delayed the start by half an hour, Middlesex continued to press on having closed on Monday nine runs ahead.

Morgan and Dexter took their partnership past 100, the latter reaching his 50 before bad light and then rain curtailed the morning session and an early lunch was taken.

Soon after the interval, Morgan clocked up his hundred – his first in the Championship since April 2009 – but the stand was finally broken as Dexter was bowled by Kyle Hogg for 51.

That was the cue for Lancashire to make inroads as Tom Smith finally removed Morgan and Joe Denly failed again, making only eight, as Middlesex slipped from 307-3 to 317-6, a lead of 51.

However, Simpson and Rayner pushed the home side into a commanding position with an outstanding seventh wicket partnership of 124.

They took the score to 412-6 at tea, and both reached their fifties early in the evening session.

Knowing the weather may shorten the day, they quickened the pace after the interval and Simpson fell on his sword as he was caught trying to pull Glen Chapple.

They stayed out in the middle until Rayner was caught for 77, when skipper Chris Rogers called them in.

A badly-timed shower delayed the start of Lancashire’s response but 10 overs were still possible once the players returned – and Middlesex made an early breakthrough with Murtagh trapping Reece lbw.

Lancashire closed on 15-1, still 178 runs behind – and with no rain forecast for Wednesday, Middlesex should have a full day’s play to try and force victory.

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