Voges, Robson put Middlesex on top

Overlooked England opener Sam Robson has scored a century while Adam Voges posted fifty as Middlesex enjoyed a strong start against Durham in the County Championship.

Sydney-born Robson’s innings of 178 could attract the attention of England selectors given Jonathan Trott’s struggles at the top of the England order in the Caribbean, while Voges continued to rack up the runs as he prepares to join Australia’s Test squad in the Caribbean.

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Robson was left out of the West Indies tour but played in all seven of England's home Test matches against Sri Lanka and India last year.

The 25-year-old, who swapped Australia for London after leaving school, scored a century in his second appearance against Sri Lanka at Headingley.

After losing the toss, Middlesex lost opener Nick Gubbins for 23, before a partnership of 113 between Robson and Nick Compton (50) steadied the innings.

Image Id: ~/media/471475C7525D44D3B44C8FD69159B121Sam Robson put his hand up for an England recall // Getty Images

Voges then joined Robson for a 127-run stand, scoring 57 before falling lbw to Chris Rushworth.

Robson followed shortly after, as the hosts finished 4-329 at the end of day one.

Voges was Australian cricket's highest scoring batsman during the 2014-15 summer, scoring 1807 runs at 72.28.

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In Division One county action beginning on Sunday, Tom Cooper will be in action for Somerset against Worcestershire, while in Division Two, a Gloucester side featuring Peter Handscomb will take on Essex, Peter Siddle’s Lancashire will take on Northamptonshire and Mark Cosgrove and Clint McKay will line up for Leicestershire against Kent.