Ed Smith joins Middlesex

Ed Smith: on his way to Lord's © Getty Images

After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Ed Smith has left Kent and joined Middlesex on a two-year contract.

Smith has been a marginalised figure at Kent in recent months after it was rumoured that a group of senior players had refused to accept some of his decisions as stand-in captain. Although he was offered a new contract at the end of the summer, his move was not a surprise.

Smith spent nine seasons at Canterbury, scoring 8690 first-class runs at an average of 40.79. He made three appearances for England in 2003.

"Ed will be a major addition to our squad," said Vinny Codrington, Middlesex's chief executive. "He has joined a talented and happy side, and believes that by starting a new chapter of his career with us, that he can help us win things and push to regain his place in the England set up."