Finn commits to Middlesex on long-term deal

Steven Finn has ended speculation about his future at Middlesex by signing a new multi-year contract that will continue his long association with the club.

Finn, 28, is Middlesex's longest-serving current player, having made his first-class debut at the age of 16 in June 2005. He has since gone on to take a total of 458 wickets for the club in all three forms of the game.

He is also the most successful England bowler in the club's history, with a total of 254 international wickets, including 125 in 36 Tests since his debut against Bangladesh at Chittagong in March 2010.

However, he has been an irregular performer at international level in recent seasons, with his most recent appearance for England coming once again in Bangladesh during the second Test at Dhaka last October.

Earlier this season, with his contract coming up for renewal, he was mulling over a lucrative move to Lancashire, where the combination of a change of scene and the prospect of slightly spicier wickets at Old Trafford were a tempting option for a player who still harbours hopes of a regular Test berth.

However, Angus Fraser, Middlesex's director of cricket and Finn's long-term mentor, yesterday confirmed the extension of a deal that will keep him at Middlesex for the foreseeable future.

"Steven remains an outstanding cricketer, the sort of player and person we want at Middlesex Cricket," said Fraser. "Even though it seems as though he has been around for decades Steven is still only 28 and, potentially, has his best years ahead of him.

"The club continues to be extremely proud of what he achieves so, despite speculation, it was unimaginable to me that he would leave the club to play for another county.

"Steven has never expressed a desire to play for anyone other than Middlesex and I would like to see him finish his career with the club and to be remembered as one of our greatest cricketers. He has much to offer."

Finn added: "I'm delighted to have signed a contract extension with the club I have represented my whole career.

"The club has come a long way since I first played for it and I feel we are still developing, and that is something i am excited about being a part of.

"I am optimistic about our chances in all three formats moving forward and want to help win more trophies for this great club."