Ajit Agarkar heads for Middlesex
Ajit Agarkar, discarded from the Indian team for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, is all set to ply his trade at Lord's
Anand Vasu
13-Jul-2004
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If Agarkar joins Middlesex, pending permission from the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, he will become the first Indian to play for Middlesex, the county that plays at the home of cricket. He has already informed the SK Nair, the board secretary, of his wish to turn out for Middlesex, and the necessary paperwork is being processed. Agarkar's contract with Middlesex is carefully drafted, however, allowing him to be released at any stage should the Indian team require his services.
Agarkar is no stranger to Lord's - he made a stroke-filled maiden Test century there in 2002 when India lost to England by 170 runs. This stint will be Agarkar's first in county cricket.
The opportunity to play for Middlesex came about when Nantie Hayward and Lance Klusener, originally signed as overseas professionals, were called up by South Africa to tour Sri Lanka. While it is not yet clear what all matches Agarkar will play, Middlesex are scheduled to play five National League (one-day) and two County Championship (four-day) matches between now and August 20. Should Middlesex qualify for the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Cup, Agarkar will get a chance to biff the ball around with all the enthusiasm that brought him his fastest one-day score, an astonishing half-century off just 21 balls against Zimbabwe at Rajkot.
Middlesex can certainly do with some perking up. They've won only one of their eight county championship matches this season. But Agarkar's arrival will also coincide with that of a certain Glenn McGrath, who has agreed to a month of county cricket between July 18 and August 15, a spell which will include four County Championship matches and five National League games. One way or another, it promises to be a mouthwatering partnership.