Middlesex set to sign Hong Kong's Rath

Middlesex are on the verge of signing Hong Kong batsman Anshy Rath. While Rath, 19, has been part of the Middlesex age group set-up for some time - he attended Harrow school, with whom Middlesex have a strong link, has been part of their academy and has played for the second XI - the deal would mark his graduation from the youth system to the professional game.

It would be another significant marker in the progress being made by Hong Kong, too. Rath has been in fine form for them of late, registering his maiden List A century against Netherlands a couple of weeks ago and following it with an innings of 88 in the next game. He also registered his highest first-class score of 98 not out - with another 88 in the second innings - in the Intercontinental Cup against Netherlands. His experience of county cricket could do Hong Kong no harm as they continue their impressive climb up the international rankings.

A Middlesex spokesman confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the club were "extremely keen to secure his services".