Highly-rated Tom Barber joins Nottinghamshire after Middlesex release

Tom Barber, the highly-rated left-arm fast bowler, has signed for Nottinghamshire on a one-year deal following a successful trial.

Barber, 24, has previously had spells at Hampshire and Middlesex, and has regularly attracted high-profile admirers due to his ability to bowl genuinely fast - he once fractured the thumb of Eoin Morgan in the nets, and holds the record for the fastest delivery bowled at the national performance centre in Loughborough, believed to be around 97mph.

While Barber's statistics in professional cricket are underwhelming to say the least - his economy rate in his 11 career T20s is an eye-watering 11.25 - he has long been considered an international prospect by the ECB. He was picked in the North v South series in 2018 and for an ECB XI to play India A in the same year, and has worked extensively with Kevin Shine, the former England and newly-appointed Nottinghamshire bowling coach.

"We've had the chance to take an extended look at Tom, and he's fully earned his opportunity as part of our setup," said the club's head coach Peter Moores.

"His left-arm angle offers something different to our bowling attack and he bowls with genuine pace as well, which is an asset to any squad.

"He's quickly gelled with the rest of the lads and has brought a work ethic that demonstrates his determination to make it in the professional game.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in," said Barber.

"Since I started training with the guys before Christmas, everyone has been really welcoming, and it's going to be great to work with the likes of Paul Franks and Mooresy - as well as picking up with Shiney again.

"Trent Bridge is a really special place - it's a Test ground, and plenty of great matches and performances have happened here, so I'm excited to hopefully get out there for Notts this summer."