Middlesex Panthers' Neil Dexter

Neil Dexter admits he is not yet ready to resume the Middlesex captaincy in four-day cricket – despite leading the team to pole position in their CB40 group.

Dexter stood aside in favour of Chris Rogers in April, following his loss of form in the County Championship, but has continued to lead the team in one-day cricket.

Resounding back-to-back victories over Essex and Gloucestershire lifted the Panthers to the top of a congested CB40 Group A and kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

But, despite his recent success as skipper, Dexter is not expected to retain the role when Middlesex travel to struggling Durham for a four-day game that starts on Friday.

“I do want to take over again, it’s just finding the right time,” Dexter told london24.com. “At the moment Chris has done well, he’s on the same wavelength as me and looking in the same direction.

“I had a tough winter and hopefully people understand that, but I want to be around and do my best for Middlesex as captain. I just want to find my own game again.

“People will probably be thinking ‘oh, what happens if it doesn’t go well again?’ I know that, but I want to do what’s right for the club and be fair to them as well.

“I know I’m club captain, but I don’t think anyone should walk into the team. That’s not the way it should be, and I’ve got to earn my spot.”

Dexter was left out of the side for Middlesex’s previous County Championship game against Nottinghamshire, but could earn a recall at Chester-le-Street as Joe Denly remains doubtful with a hamstring problem.

Middlesex lead the Netherlands by one point in their CB40 group, having played a game more, while third-placed Lancashire Lightning look like favourites to qualify as they trail the Panthers by two points with three games in hand.