Middlesex have further strengthened their ranks after confirming the return of New Zealand international Mitchell McClenaghan for next season.
The left-arm pace bowler, who represented the club in last season’s NatWest T20 Blast and previously enjoyed spells with Lancashire, Worcestershire, joins fellow countryman Brendon McCullum who joined shortly before Christmas.
It marks a signal of intent by the Lord’s-based club, who have failed to qualify from the group stages since winning the competition in 2008 and finished bottom of the South Group in 2015 in another disappointing campaign.
McClenaghan, 29, who has represented the Black Caps on 70 occasions across one-day international and T20 cricket, will be available for the majority of the Blast, and could also feature in the Royal London One-Day International Cup and the County Championship.
Director of cricket Angus Fraser said: “I am delighted to have Mitchell back playing T20 cricket for Middlesex this summer. He made a really positive impression on myself and everyone at the club in 2015.”
“He will join us after the IPL (Indian Premier League) and be available to play in at least 12 of our group matches. He is also available to play Royal London One-Day Cup and County Championship cricket if needs require.”
“Mitchell gets modern limited over cricket, its mood, its uncertainty, its ups and downs and the fact a bowler needs to be deliberately unpredictable.
“He has the skills and mindset to be constantly competitive in these forms of the game. Mitchell makes things happen when he bowls and has an outstanding record in both 50 and 20-over cricket.”
Really excited to be joining @Middlesex_CCC for the upcoming @NatWestT20Blast – pumped for a huge campaign with a very exciting team.
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 18, 2016
Source: ECB