Tim Murtagh named as Middlesex club captain after contract extension

Tim Murtagh has been named as Middlesex's club captain for the 2022 season, after signing a one-year contract extension which will see him remain at Lord's until after his 41st birthday.

Murtagh, who joined Middlesex from Surrey in 2007, has claimed 783 first-class wickets for the club, including 40 or more in 12 different seasons. He will resume the role in which he stood in for Peter Handscomb for the final five matches of the 2021 County Championship campaign.

Murtagh's appointment is the second major announcement from Middlesex since they parted company with former head coach Stuart Law last month. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Mark Ramprakash would be rejoining the club at which he played the first half of his career, as a batting consultant.

"I'm obviously delighted to have extended my association with this great club for another season," Murtagh said. "It has become a huge part of my life since the move across the river.

"Having finished the season on a high last year I'm already excited about the challenge that the 2022 season holds with this group of players.

"I'm honoured to have been asked to take on extra responsibility with the club captaincy and look forward to aiding Pete Handscomb as much as I can on the field next year."

Middlesex's interim head coach, Alan Coleman, added: "We are delighted that Murts has agreed to extend his contract, as well as take on this additional leadership responsibility.

"He is without doubt one of Middlesex's cricketing greats, and its fantastic news that he'll be continuing to run in for us from the Nursery End for at least the next year.

"His influence on the rest of the squad cannot be underestimated, and alongside his wickets I'm certain he'll continue to mentor our younger bowlers as they make their way in the game."

Middlesex endured a disappointing campaign in 2021, finishing the season in Division Three after a poor group stage notable for frequent batting collapses.

However, Murtagh led the side to victory over Leicestershire in his first match in charge in July, and then oversaw three consecutive victories against Derbyshire, Sussex and Worcestershire. As club captain, he will once again take charge of the Championship side if Handscomb's arrival from Australia is delayed by his Sheffield Shield involvement with Victoria.