Northants pick up Middlebrook

James Middlebrook hooks in Essex's tour match against West Indies last year, a rare first-class outing for him

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Northamptonshire have bolstered their squad with the signing of off-spinner James Middlebrook and wicketkeeper-batsman Paul Harrison on one-year deals.

Middlebrook, a 32-year-old all-rounder who began his career with his native Yorkshire, was recently released by Essex after eight seasons.

He will supplement Northants’ slow bowling options, after the county lost left-armers Monty Panesar to Sussex and Graeme White to Nottinghamshire.

Middlebrook has claimed over 300 wickets and scored more than 4,000 runs in the first-class game, but was latterly sidelined at Essex after the arrival of Danish Kaneria.

Northants head coach David Capel said: “I’m sure both players will be valuable additions to our squad and they will provide us with what we need.

“James offers useful variety to our bowling department as an off-spinner, and will complement Nicky Boje’s slow left-arm style. He is also a very useful batsman and competitive fielder.”

Middlebrook said: “I can't wait to get stuck in, prove myself as a valuable team member and play a key role in the success of the club.

“I'm in my prime as a spinning all-rounder, and have a wealth of skill and experience which I want to put to good use.”

Harrison, 25, a journeyman cricketer who has had spells with Sussex, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Surrey, played a handful of matches in the Northants first-team towards the end of 2009, on a trial basis.

Harrison played as a specialist top-order batsman, but could be called upon to keep wicket due to the potential unavailability of other wicketkeepers.

Northants expect first-choice gloveman Niall O’Brien to be away with Ireland for a sizeable part of the year, while Academy player David Murphy will be at Loughborough University in the first half of the season.

There is also doubt over first-team regular Riki Wessels, who is awaiting the relevant visa for his participation in the 2010 season.

Capel added: “Paul adds strength in depth in the batting and wicketkeeping departments, which will be necessary through Niall O’Brien having increased international duties to fulfil and David Murphy being away at university early on.

“Paul impressed us last season while playing for the second XI and he could become a very important member of our squad.”