SHAUN Udal is licking his lips at the prospect of a top-of-the-table clash with Middlesex, even if it is too early to dub it a possibile Championship decider!

The Hampshire vice-captain has recovered from an ankle injury to take his place in the side for the mouthwatering trip to Lord's, and says: "It's great to be coming here where we're involved in a match with another side at the top.

"We're notoriously bad starters but we've come out the blocks fast this time round and we're looking to keep that going."

Hampshire briefly led the PPP Healthcare Championship for a few brief hours in the wake of their win over Worcestershire, until they were dislodged by Surrey by one point. Hampshire have a game in hand over both the leaders and Middlesex who, like Hampshire, have 49 points, and a win over Middlesex will put Robin Smith's men in a very handy early season position.

But Udal expects it to be a tough test for Hampshire's mettle.

Although Middlesex are without Gussie Fraser, who is with the England World Cup squad, they have a formidable look about them and already are a more serious proposition than the team that laboured in last season's championship.

Like Hampshire, they have had their overseas player from day one, and Justin Langer has already been providing one or two uncomfortable itches for the Aussie selectors with early season form which has seen him score a double ton, and his unbeaten 127 on Monday bolstered Middlesex's chase to a five-wicket win over Yorkshire at Headingly.

That's a fact not lost on Udal, who says: "We know we are in for a tough game, you always are against Middlesex, and I think the game will be won by the team that makes fewest mistakes.

"We've already had a look at the wicket and it's a bit greener than we anticipated but that will suit us," says Udal.

That could mean plenty of work again for Hampshire's in-form seam attack, and although Udal's spin option has been added to the team at the expense of Matthew Keech, Hampshire have given themselves further room to manoeuvre by including Peter Hartley in their 12-man party.

"I think it's going to be a good battle and a really tight game," says Udal.

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