Skipper Adam Voges praised Sam Robson after his unbeaten century steered Middlesex into a strong position on the opening day of their County Championship season.

Opener Robson – who has won seven Test caps for England – batted throughout the first day of Middlesex’s clash with Warwickshire on Lord’s to finish 175 not out.

That ensured that the home side posted 317-4 at the close of play after visiting captain Ian Bell had taken advantage of the competition’s new rules to field first without the need for a coin toss.

“It’s a tough one and I know Ian Bell was very unsure when we walked out to hand over the teamsheets, but in hindsight we’ve had a wonderful day,” said Voges.

“To be inserted and score over 300 and for Sam Robson to bat the day was obviously a wonderful effort – he batted beautifully.

“Everything I’ve heard suggests he’s been flying in pre-season and he went out and applied himself and batted for six and a half hours and hopefully he’ll continue.”

Robson, who looked particularly strong off his pads, shared an impressive opening partnership with Nick Gubbins (68), which realised 180 before the latter edged Chris Wright to second slip.

Wright then had Nick Compton caught in the gully for a golden duck, but the home side recovered before Keith Barker removed both Dawid Malan (15) and Voges (21).