Chris Rushworth and Ed Barnard each collected two wickets as the hosts were bowled out in 39.5 overs by Hannon-Dalby under overcast skies.

As the spotlight shifted to Middlesex stalwart Tim Murtagh, who was playing his last match at Lord’s before retiring, he pulled his team back into contention.

In reply, Warwickshire reached 72 for four at stumps, a 49-run deficit, thanks to the 42-year-old’s undefeated 36.

Despite the gloomy conditions and drizzle in the morning, the Bears elected to bowl after winning the toss, although Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson looked relatively untroubled as they added 20 runs.

Despite the bowlers’ movement, Middlesex’s openers were soon on their way, Stoneman edging a Rushworth inswinger behind and Robson lbw to a Hannon-Dalby delivery that seared back at him.

After registering his maiden half-century against Lancashire last week, Jack Davies escaped a couple of close calls against Barnard before Craig Miles soon sent the left-hander’s off stump flying, followed by an identical delivery by Barnard for Ryan Higgins.

Before lunch, Barnard had John Simpson wafting outside off stump, but Josh de Caires and Joe Cracknell prevented further damage.

After the interval, Barnard and Hannon-Dalby bowled 17 consecutive dot balls, and Middlesex had extended their total by nine runs when rain intervened.