Murtagh linked with Middlesex

CricInfo sources have revealed that Surrey seamer Tim Murtagh is in line for a move across the capital to Middlesex. The transfer should suit both parties as Murtagh, 25, has struggled to break into the Championship side, while Middlesex have been been noticebaly short on firepower in recent seasons.

Murtagh, whose brother Chris is also on the Surrey staff, was a regular member of Surrey's one-day and Twenty20 sides last season and has one year remaining on his contract at The Oval.

In 38 first-class appearances for Surrey he has 76 wickets at 37.07, while in Twenty20 cricket he has 37 wickets at an impressive 22.91. It was in this format that he enjoyed his finest hour as a Surrey player when taking 6 for 24, a record in the competition, against Middlesex in 2005.

If the deal goes through he will join Chaminda Vaas, Murali Kartik and Richard Johnson in a new look attack at Lord's.