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Agarkar to join Middlesex

Wednesday, July 14 2004

Indian discard Ajit Agarkar is all set to join English County Middlesex for a month, starting next week.

Agarkar, who has been ruled out of India's Asia Cup campaign, has asked for permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) so as to join the county. His contract with the county has been carefully drafted so as to include a clause which will allow him to be relieved as soon as possible, in case India requires his services.

Pending BCCI's clearance, Agarkar will return to Middlesex's home ground, Lord's, for the first time since scoring his maiden Test hundred at the venue in 2002. He becomes the first Indian player to play for the county, despite the best attempts of the club to lure Anil Kumble during the off-season.

Agarkar will act as one of the covers for Nantie Hayward and Lance Klusener, Middlesex's original choices for overseas players. Both of them have been named in their national side, for the August tour of Sri Lanka.

Middlesex's performance in this year's County Championship has been dismal, with only a single win off eight matches played. However, with the probable arrival of Agarkar, as well as Glenn McGrath, who has also been called up as cover, things look better for the county.

Posted by Sudeep