Nick Compton’s century in Middlesex’s remarkable victory over Yorkshire last week proved too late to reclaim his place in England’s top order.

Compton was overlooked for the opener’s role for the winter tour against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, the selectors opting for the more explosive Alex Hales as replacement for the axed Adam Lyth when the squad was announced on Tuesday.

In the wake of his knock of 149 against the Tykes, Compton met with England coach Trevor Bayliss on Monday to, in his words, “let him know I still harbour serious ambition and desire to return to the top of the order for England.

“I wanted to make sure the platform was there for me to take the learning over the past two years and apply it to what I think can be the most productive years of my career — much like what Chris Rogers has done for Australia and Graham Gooch did for England.”

However, Bayliss’ warning prior to the announcement that no-one had scored the glut of centuries needed to force the selectors’ hand rang true in the case of the 32-year-old right-hander, whose ton against the champions was just his second of the season.

Nevertheless, his 1,100 runs at an average of 41 have lent steel to a Middlesex side making a habit of famous comeback wins.

The latest triumph followed on from chasing down more than 400 back in April to beat Somerset at Taunton, not forgetting their 472-3 in victory over Yorkshire last season.

According to head coach Richard Scott, the next step in the progression is to grab the initiative in games so such comebacks are unnecessary.

He said: “We’ve played some terrific cricket in the Championship and we pride ourselves on showing that steel. I hope we can start better – whether batting or bowling, we’ve struggled to start games as effectively as I’d like.”