Murtagh and Finn pen Middlesex deals

Tim Murtagh has reaped the rewards after an impressive season with the ball by penning a new deal with Middlesex

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Middlesex have agreed lengthy extensions to the contracts of bowlers Tim Murtagh and Steven Finn.

Murtagh joined the county back in 2007 and has been a consistent performer at Lord’s, taking 60 LV= County Championship wickets in 2009 despite Middlesex struggling in Division Two.

Fast bowler Finn was named in the new-look Performance squad last week, his potential being underlined as he was rated in the B category after a promising season.

The 20-year-old former England Under-19 seamer snared 53 wickets in the championship in 2009 and is rated around the county circuit as one of the most exciting young English prospects.

Middlesex have also announced that paceman Danny Evans, wicketkeeper John Simpson, leg-spinner Kabir Toor and batsman Josh Davey have all signed new deals with the club.

Middlesex’s managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said: "I am delighted that Tim, Steven, John, Danny, Kabir and Josh have committed to Middlesex for the foreseeable future.

“Everybody at Middlesex accepts that 2009 was a disappointing year but I still believe the club has many gifted young cricketers.

"Every club needs high quality fast bowlers and in Tim, Steven and Danny we have three very good ones.

"Tim has been outstanding since joining Middlesex in 2007, taking more than 150 first-class wickets in his three seasons with the club. He is the sort of cricketer and character every county wants and needs.

"Steven is one of the brightest young prospects in English cricket. He is improving all the time and learnt a great deal last season when he led Middlesex's attack with skill and pride. It is great to know that he will continue his development here at Lord's.

He added: "Danny missed most of last season with a nasty ankle injury but he remains a fast bowler of immense promise, and John Simpson made a big impression when he took over from Ben Scott behind the stumps.

"Kabir has ability and will spend the winter at the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Adelaide, where he will work at his batting and leg spin bowling.

"Josh Davey is on a summer contract, having made a positive all-round impression whilst playing in the second eleven. I am looking forward to working with each of these players for many years to come."