McCullum returns for Middlesex Blast campaign

Middlesex have re-signed Brendon McCullum for this season's NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

McCullum, who made six appearances for Middlesex last season, will re-join in early July and be available for nine of Middlesex's South Group matches.

Middlesex's use of Lord's for T20 is limited. Two of McCullum's appearances this term will be home matches under the floodlights at Lord's on Thursday nights, against London rivals Surrey on July 13, and against Essex a fortnight later, with a capacity crowd anticipated on both occasions.

McCullum will also feature in two of Middlesex home outground matches, against Somerset at Uxbridge and against Kent at Richmond.

Middlesex are one of two counties to have taken advantage of the new condensed midsummer format by bringing in Dan Vettori, the former New Zealand spinner, as a specialist T20 coach; Derbyshire have followed a similar route with the appointment of another Kiwi, John Wright.

Middlesex's managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said: "We are naturally delighted to have Brendon back to play for Middlesex in this season's NatWest T20 Blast.

"Brendon had a hugely positive influence on the club in 2016 and I'm sure he will have a similar impact this summer."

Middlesex's improved Twenty20 form last season saw them reach the quarter-final before going down to Northants at Northampton.