Dalrymple returns to Middlesex

Jamie Dalrymple, the offspinning allrounder, has returned to Middlesex following his exit from Glamorgan in November.

Dalrymple, 30, left Lord's in 2007 for Glamorgan, where he spent three seasons, the last two as captain. But in a tumultuous winter for Glamorgan, he quit the playing staff after he was replaced as captain by South African batsman Alviro Petersen.

Dalrymple, who played 27 ODIs for England, will not be available for selection in all competitions for Middlesex until 3 June.

"At a pinch we could have rushed Jamie's return so that he was available for the start of the season," said Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser. "But I did not think this was right. I believe the players who have trained hard this winter deserve the first opportunity to stake a claim for first team selection. Depriving them of this opportunity at the start of the season would have had a de-motivating effect on the squad."

"I will be watching the early season closely and wish the team every success whilst trying to get up to speed as soon as possible," said Dalrymple. "I am delighted to have been able to rejoin the club I played with for so long."

Dalrymple made 2,725 runs at 30.27 in 62 first-class matches in his previous time at Lord's, taking 95 wickets. He also made 1,964 runs in 96 one-day matches at 31.17.

"Along with his cricketing skills, Jamie is a natural leader who brings experience and know-how," said Fraser. "The departure of Owais Shah has left us with one fewer experienced, destructive match-winning middle order batsman in limited-over cricket.

"We believe Jamie can fulfil that role. He also bowls good off-spin and is a magnificent fielder. Jamie's arrival gives our squad an excellent balance of experience and youth."