Kartik joins Middlesex

18 October 2006

Murali Kartik © Getty Images

Middlesex have confirmed the signing of India spinner Murali Kartik for the 2007 season, to be the second of their overseas players after Chaminda Vaas agreed a deal last month.

Kartik played for Lancashire for the latter part of the 2006 season as they aimed to take the Liverpool Victoria County Championship title, as well as for much of the 2005 season, and Middlesex are very pleased to have captured his signature for next year.

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington said: “Kartik is a hugely exciting signing for the club. Over the past few seasons, we have lacked an international class spinner and we are delighted to have addressed that with Kartik.

“He is a popular signing with our players and I am sure he will quickly become a favourite with our supporters.”

Kartik took 12 wickets in six matches for Lancashire in 2006 and was the first overseas player to take ten wickets on debut in county cricket, in 2005.

The 30-year-old has played eight Tests and 30 one-day internationals for India, but should be available to Middlesex for the entire 2007 season after falling out of favour with the Indian selectors.