Stuart Law will quit his role as head coach of the West Indies to take charge of Middlesex.
The Australian described the move as a ‘great privilege’ as he sets up base at the Home of Cricket after almost 18 months in charge of the Windies.
In that time Law guided the one-day team to qualification for the 2019 World Cup at the expense of Scotland and Ireland, and recorded Test series wins over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Stepping away from the international stage less than one year out for a World Cup, Law conceded the four-year contract offered to him by Middlesex was too good to turn down as he plots their return to Division One cricket in the County Championship.
“It is a great privilege to be asked to coach Middlesex and to accept one of the plum jobs in world cricket,” Law, 49, said.
“I have very much enjoyed my time with the West Indies and wish the staff and players every success. There is never a good time to leave but the opportunity to work with Middlesex for four years at the home of cricket was too good to decline,” he added.
Middlesex have longed for consistency this season; winning six matches, losing four and drawing three. Unable to make the immediate return after relegation like promoted Warwickshire, managing director of cricket Angus Fraser outlined why Law was the man to turn the county into a force.
“We believe Stuart is the right man to build on the foundations laid over the past decade,” Fraser commented.
“He will provide a fresh voice and a fresh vision to inspire our players, and drive them towards our twin goals of promotion back to Division One of the county championship and limited overs success.
With their batting a thorn in their side, yielding just 14 points all season, Middlesex took the decision to part company with head coach Richard Scott in July.
Law’s appointment concludes a two-month search for Scott’s successor and will see the former Australia international step into the role in January, after winter tours to India and Bangladesh.
