MIDDLESEX will again be without captain Andrew Strauss for the Frizzell County Championship match against Lancashire at Old Trafford.

The left-hander is unavailable following his involvement in the first Test between England and New Zealand.

Jamie Dalrymple, who scored 244 in the draw with Surrey last week after replacing Strauss, retains his place in the side.

"It was just one of those innings from Jamie," coach John Emburey said. "He was in great touch and just kept hitting fours."

A bout of flu and a calf problem have put Chad Keegan's participation in doubt, with Simon Cook set to deputise.

"Considering we've played Surrey twice, Lancashire and Warwickshire, I'm pleased with how we've done so far," said Emburey, whose side go into the game in third place in the table.

The bowling attack will test the Red Rose top order, Keegan having already taken a five-wicket haul against them this season.

That previous meeting between these two sides was marred by some poor weather but still produced a seven-wicket haul for Dominic Cork and centuries for Mal Loye and Mark Chilton.

Loye showed he was fully recovered from his back spasms with 42 in the win over Glamorgan on Sunday. Lancashire are also boosted by the availability of James Anderson.

With so many good players available someone is going to be unlucky. For this round that is Kyle Hogg, but the options available to Mike Watkinson means he can rotate his bowlers and keep them fresh.

If Kent slip up in their game against Surrey either of these two sides could jump to the top of Division One by the end of the week.

It's certainly going to be a hectic time for Lancashire.

This game is scheduled to run until Friday and they will then have to fly to Gatwick in order to reach Hove to play their C&G Trophy third round match in Saturday.