Somerset switch for Kartik

The loss of left-armer Murali Kartik, a 2008 Twenty20 Cup winner, is a blow to Middlesex's slow bowling attack

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India spinner Murali Kartik has joined Somerset as their overseas player for the 2010 season, ending his three-year association with Middlesex.

Kartik, 33, who joined Middlesex after two overseas spells at Lancashire, has signed a one-year contract with the side.

The left-armer from Chennai has played eight Tests and 37 one-day internationals for India, although his last international appearance was his Twenty20 international debut against Australia in 2007.

He said: “This a fantastic opportunity and a new challenge for a player like me who has been playing first-class cricket in England for the last five seasons.

“I know it is not an Old Trafford or a Lord's wicket because I played here before and it is a different challenge to me. As an international spinner when you have been playing for a long time you like to challenge yourself on wickets like that.

“To be playing for a county like Somerset which has been vying for honours for the last two years I think I probably add a new dimension to their attack.”

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose added: "The attraction for me was to sign a really consistent all-round performer who has got great stats in all forms of cricket. Kartik has got a great record in this country in county cricket.

“Particularly bowling at Taunton, you must have variety and several times over the last couple of years we have reached the end game in two and a half days and spent the rest of the time trying to bowl sides out purely with seam.”

Kartik’s departure means Middlesex have lost three experienced bowlers in the past few days, after they released seamers Alan Richardson and Chris Silverwood.

Kartik was a key component of the Middlesex side that won the 2008 Twenty20 Cup and took part in the winter's Stanford Super Series.