Both Andy Strauss and Sven Koening edged behind to Jack Russell off James Averis as Middlesex got off to a shaky start.

BBC: All Alleyne at the top

Weston shared a second wicket stand of 148 with Owais Shah after skipper Andy Strauss had fallen to the second ball of the day.

BBC: Zimbabwe taken to task

England coach Andy Flower echoed Strauss' view that Pietersen, who averages more than 40 in one-day internationals yet has managed only one half century in his last 23 innings in the middle order, might be reinvigorated by the switch.

BBC: Cricket World Cup: Andrew Strauss wants shorter event