Clark signs for Middlesex

Stuart Clark, the New South Wales fast bowler, will finish the northern summer at Middlesex as a replacement for Scott Styris, the New Zealand allrounder. After making his first appearance with the county last season, Clark, 29, will return with the aim of getting in form for the Australian domestic scene as well as being on standby for Australia.

"I'm excited by the opportunity of playing county cricket again," he said. "I've been watching the matches involving Australia and I'm keen to test myself bowling over there. My time in Middlesex will hopefully be great for the club and leave me in good stead for the coming domestic summer."

Clark, who has represented Australia A, is a former nationally-contracted player who took 40 wickets in the Pura Cup last season at an average of 24.77. "You never know when Australia may need a replacement bowler," he said. "It will be handy for the selectors if they require someone at short notice given I am bowling well."