Middlesex sign McClenaghan for Blast

Middlesex have signed New Zealand's left arm paceman Mitchell McClenaghan, as an overseas replacement for Kyle Abbott in this season's NatWest T20 Blast campaign after Abbott's spell with the club expires at the end of June.

McClenaghan is currently playing for the Mumbai Indians at the Indian Premier League, where he is among the leading wicket takers in the competition, with 14 at an average of 22.50.

He will be in contention to make his NatWest T20 Blast debut for Middlesex against the Sussex Sharks at Lord's on July 2 and will be available for the final six group matches of Middlesex's NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

McClenaghan did not have an impressive stint at Lancashire in T20, but his stock has risen on the back of some skilful, wholehearted displays with Mumbai Indians and his figures have given Middlesex additional confidence that he can answer their needs.

Middlesex's managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, commented: "Replacing one high quality overseas fast bowler with another was not easy but we have managed to do this with the signing of McClenaghan.

"Mitchell's style, left arm fast, gives him a point of difference and his skill has allowed him to take wickets wherever he has played. We look forward to welcoming him to Lord's at the start of July, for what we hope will be six important and exciting games."