Middlesex have announced the return of Australia batsman Adam Voges as their overseas player for the upcoming County Championship season.
The 35-year-old, who will also captain the four-day side, rejoins the Lords-based club and will be available prior to the start of the campaign.
The former Nottinghamshire right-hander, who struck 451 runs in four matches last term, will then return to Middlesex for the conclusion of the season, expected to be from mid-August.
Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser is delighted with Voges’ return having featured with the county since 2013.
“Adam’s return is something we are all delighted with,” Fraser, whose side finished runners-up in Division One for the first time since 1995 last season, said.
“He may not have spent a huge amount of time with us but during the time he has been with us he has made an extremely positive impression.
“Adam continues to show what a high-quality player he is – and we know what a top bloke he is.”
Middlesex also confirmed that Dawid Malan and James Franklin will captain their Natwest T20 Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup sides respectively, replacing England limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan.
Middlesex finished bottom of the Blast South Group and also failed to qualify from Group B in the RLODC last season.
Malan, who featured for England Lions in their winter 50-over and T20 series against Pakistan A, has played 92 limited-overs matches for the club, amassing more than 2,250 runs.
“I consider it a great honour to have been appointed captain of the Middlesex CCC T20 Blast side,” Malan said.
Great news for the club as we confirm Voges as overseas player & captaincy plans for 2016: https://t.co/Uome36rsVH pic.twitter.com/oftQNtjEAB
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) February 9, 2016
“It’s a dream come true for me and I would like to thank Angus Fraser and the club for putting their faith in me.”
Franklin captained Middlesex in all forms of cricket in 2015, stepping in for Voges in the County Championship when he departed for Australia duty.
The former New Zealand all-rounder will also lead the side during County Championship cricket while Voges is expected to be away for five games.
“Firstly, I am honoured and excited to be named as captain of our 50-over side,” Franklin said.
“We are desperate as a playing group to show that we can compete strongly in this format of the game and I feel confident that with the fantastic mix of youth and experience we have within the squad we have a great chance of doing so in 2016.”
Source: ECB