New Zealand skipper Fleming signs for Middlesex

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is to be Middlesex's overseas player next season, the county has confirmed.

The 27-year-old left-hander led the Kiwis to a series victory over England in 1999 and hit his 27th Test half-century in the drawn match against Zimbabwe in Wellington today.

Under the terms of his contract, Fleming will be available for New Zealand's planned one-day internationals against Sri Lanka in July and a tour to Pakistan in September and October.

Fleming believes he will be able to improve while in England. He said: "It's a tremendous opportunity for me to develop my game," he said.

"While I thoroughly enjoy captaining the CLEAR Black Caps, the chance to concentrate on my batting with first-class and one-day matches almost every day of the week for near enough six months is too good to miss."

Middlesex captain and former England bowler Angus Fraser is looking forward to having such an experienced international in his side.

He said: "Having played international cricket for over ten years I believe we have not only acquired a fine player, but one of the most impressive characters in international cricket.

"We have a very young and enthusiastic set of players. I believe working with a player of Stephen's quality will only help them as individuals and us as a team."

Fleming comes into the squad to replace last season's overseas player Justin Langer, who will be involved with Australia's Ashes tour in 2001.

Last season Middlesex finished second bottom in Division Two of the PPP Healthcare County Championship and fourth in the National League Second.