Noffke signs two-month deal with Middlesex

	Ashley Noffke: short-term deal © Getty Images

Middlesex have signed Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke on a two-month contract to cover for Murali Kartik who will not be able to join the county until June 9.

"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," said , Vinny Codrington, Middlesex's chief executive. "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 fire power to our already very strong attack at the start of the season when the ball should be nipping about."

Kartik had been expected to be available earlier but he was prevented by the Indian board from playing the first couple of months of the season.