GRAHAM Onions was back to his best this morning as he had Middlesex rocking on 18 for three after being put in.

The support was below par, however, and the visitors recovered to 68 for three from 23 overs at lunch with Nick Compton on 34.

Onions has fallen below his previous high standards for much of the season but has never stopped working at it and had his rewards in taking three for nine in his opening three overs.

His first ball – the seventh of the morning – was cut for four by Sam Robson before heavy drizzle brought a 25-minute interruption.

On the resumption a ball from Onions started on leg stump and swung past Robson's outside edge, bringing a huge appeal for caught behind.

It was turned down, but then came a spell of three wickets in nine balls for the ex-England seamer.

Paul Stirling, a surprise opener, and Robson both fell when shaping to drive, the Irishman going first when he edged to Paul Collingwood at first slip.

Late in-swing found Robson's inside edge on the way to middle stump, which was sent flying, and three balls later Onions swung one into in-form left-hander Dawid Malan to have him lbw.

Debut boy James Weighell, in for Jamie Harrison, came on first change and after opening up with a maiden he conceded seven off his second over and made way for John Hastings.

Both the Australian and Chris Rushworth, in his second spell, bowled round the wicket to James Franklin without making him play often enough.

Weighell returned for one more over and was pulled for four by Compton, while Franklin dug in to reach 14 at lunch.