Middlesex has signed Ireland all-rounder Paul Stirling for the first five group stage matches of their T20 Blast campaign in 2021. Mitchell Marsh, who was called up to the Australian white-ball squad for their tour to the West Indies in July, has been replaced in the Lord’s based outfit.
The 30-year-old has been a long-serving Middlesex player, having played for the club for ten years, from 2010 to 2019, and scoring 2246 runs in 89 Blast appearances over that period.
“Obviously, losing Mitch Marsh is a blow, but if a team is looking for a solid, clean striker of a cricket ball, Paul is strongly qualified to fill the job,” Middlesex’s MD of Cricket, Angus Fraser, said.
“During his tenure with Middlesex, Paul left a big impact on members and fans, and it would be fantastic to see him sporting a Middlesex jersey and representing the club once more.”
Stirling was also ecstatic to be back, hoping that his brief stay would help him further his career as a globetrotting lawyer.
“I have many fond memories of the club and many friends there, and I am looking forward to entertaining the public once more. I’m hoping to put on my best show for the world to see, and a great tenure will ideally lead to more chances, both in the Hundred and further afield, as I’d like to compete in all competitions around the world “he said
About the fact that Marsh is unlikely to return for the rest of the tournament even after completing his national duty due to stringent quarantine travel and quarantine procedures, Middlesex are scheduled to make an announcement by the end of the tournament.