London: Ajit Agarkar made up for the absence of Australian speedster Glenn McGrath as he put Middlesex on top on Day I of their County championship Division One match against Gloucestershire on Tuesday.

Agarkar exploited the overcast conditions to grab three for 41 to reduce Gloucestershire to 133 for four by stumps on a truncated day at Lord’s.

Agarkar dismissed Mike Hussey, caught in the deep to break a 79-run second wicket partnership between the Australian and Weston.

He then followed it up with wickets of Chris Taylor and Alex Gidman, justifying his captain’s decision to bowl first.