Noffke makes Middlesex switch

Ashley Noffke

Middlesex have announced the signing of Australia pace bowler Ashley Noffke.

Noffke will join a club who have also named former Hampshire and Gloucestershire batsman Richard Scott as their new 2nd XI coach.

Noffke will be required for two months at the start of the summer - until India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik is available to return as overseas player.

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington said: “We were obviously disappointed not to have Kartik for the start of the season, but we’re delighted to have signed Noffke – he’s a high-quality opening bowler.

“It’s great to have Noffke come back home to where he played his first English county season back in 2002.

"He knows Lord’s and he’ll add a bit of extra firepower to our already very strong attack at the start of the season when the ball should be nipping about.”

Noffke added: “I am delighted to be joining Middlesex for the start of the 2008 season.

“As soon as I knew the club were interested, it wasn't a hard decision to decide where I wanted to play.”