CAPTAIN Dawid Malan extended his overnight score to 124 as Middlesex attempted to make up for lost time on a rain-shortened third day in County Championship Division Two against Worcestershire at Blackfinch New Road.

Steady rain, drizzle and bad light meant only 21 overs were possible with play not getting under way until 4.45pm.

But Malan and his team-mates had sufficient time to add 92 runs for the loss of four wickets as they stepped up the pace in the bid to clinch their first Championship win of the season.

Middlesex extended their overall lead to 352 as they closed on 287-6.

They resumed on 195-2 with Malan unbeaten on 107 and Nick Gubbins 82.

Malan signalled his aggressive intentions by cover-driving the first ball from Charlie Morris for four.

Gubbins pulled the same bowler for six before a late cut for four off Morris brought up the double century stand with Malan in 51 overs.

But Morris had his revenge in the same over when Gubbins (91) drove to Riki Wessels at backward point. His 167-ball knock contained one six and 12 fours.

Steve Eskinazi (1) departed in the next over when he inside-edged a Josh Tongue delivery through to wicketkeeper Ben Cox.

Morris collected a second scalp and his 25th of the campaign when James Harris (10) went for a cut and provided Cox with another catch at 241-5.

Malan moved onto 124 before his fine knock was ended by Ed Barnard in his first over of the day.

The left-hander aimed to hit Barnard over the top but only picked out Ross Whiteley who held onto a sharp catch at cover.

Malan faced 173 balls and struck 17 boundaries.

John Simpson drove Joe Leach for six as he and Toby Roland-Jones added 36 more runs before bad light ended play three overs early.