County cricket: Morgan's pyrotechnics give selectors a nudge

It may only have been a one-day innings, but any more eye-catching performances like yesterday and Eoin Morgan will surely find himself in with a chance of a recall to England's Test team for the South Africa series later this summer.

Morgan bludgeoned 116 off just 54 balls with a staggering 11 sixes as Middlesex hammered Lancashire in the Clydesdale Bank 40 at Lord's. Ireland's Paul Stirling also smashed 119 as the hosts cruised to a mammoth 350 for 6 off their 40 overs before making light work of the Lancashire batsmen.

With Jonny Bairstow's frailties against the short ball being highlighted by the West Indies, there could be a vacancy at No 6 in the England batting order. Ravi Bopara, who has also been in the runs of late for Essex, is probably favourite for a recall but Morgan could find himself back in favour with further pyrotechnics.

In the county championship on Saturday, Lancashire – who were in action six days on the trot around the country in a crazy schedule – held Nottinghamshire to a draw while Monty Panesar's wickets helped Sussex to a convincing win over Surrey.