In the morning session, play was held up for eight minutes because a cable had become loose in the stump camera operated by Sky, who are screening the match live.
Graham Thorpe was a surprise starter for the South Londoners after being granted permission by England following the abrupt end to the Second Test against Bangladesh.
The 100-Test left-hander feels that he owes his county a big score after managing only 78 runs in five Championship innings earlier in the season.
Surrey captain Mark Butcher was no closer to making his comeback from the wrist injury that has kept him out for five months.
He saw a specialist on Monday but is still experiencing pain in his left wrist and is unwilling to put a date on his return to action.
Australian all-rounder Dominic Thornely is poised to make his County Championship debut but Rikki Clarke (finger) and Mohammad Akram (calf) both miss out through injury.
Indian paceman Irfan Pathan made his home debut for Middlesex.
Meanwhile, Surrey say that they have no plans to sign former captain Adam Hollioake just for the Twenty20 Cup, which starts in a fortnight.
Middx 118-2 v Surrey. Cardiff: Kent 145-3 v Glamorgan. Div Two - Bath: Somerset 139-3 v Worcs. Headingley: Lancs 143-3 v Yorks.
