Nottinghamshire v Middlesex: Steven Finn and James Taylor star

England hopefuls Steven Finn and James Taylor pushed their claims for Test recalls as Nottinghamshire enjoyed the better of day one against Middlesex.

After Steven Mullaney's patient 50, Taylor (62) scored quickly until he fell lbw to James Harris (4-80).

Riki Wessels (58) and Chris Read (40) put on a fluent 86, but Finn (4-87) returned after tea to dismiss the pair.

Australian debutant Peter Siddle hit a quick-fire 40 off 35 balls late in the day as Notts reached 315-8 at stumps.

Harris and Finn each struck an early blow to remove Phil Jaques (14) and Michael Lumb (17), before Mullaney and Taylor shared a partnership of 81 for the third wicket.

Harris checked the visitors' momentum when he returned to first remove Taylor, who was trapped in front trying to work the ball to leg, and then Samit Patel for a fourth-ball duck.

The double-wicket maiden was only temporary respite for Middlesex, however, as the middle and lower order contributions from Wessels, Read, Siddle and Luke Fletcher, with an unbeaten 20, kept Notts in the ascendency.

BBC London 94.9's Kevin Hand:

"It was a strong first day from Nottinghamshire who made full use of winning the toss. Under blue skies, the decision can't have been too difficult, despite a greenish tinge to the pitch.

With just two wickets claimed in the first session, and one of those something of a gift from Michael Lumb, Middlesex would have been fearful of the score at 131-2 before three quick wickets, including two in an over from the impressive James Harris, reined the visitors back by tea.

"However, Nottinghamshire refused to be rolled without a fight and have already amassed a daunting total given the time of season and Middlesex's performances with the bat at Hove last week."