Irish bowler Murtagh extends Middlesex contract

Middlesex fast bowler Tim Murtagh will continue playing his cricket at Lord’s having extended his contract until at least 2018.

Murtagh, 35, moved to Middlesex from London rivals Surrey in 2007 and has made 277 appearances for this year’s county champions in all formats.

He is an Ireland international, making 23 ODI appearances for the Emerald Isle, taking 26 wickets.

Murtagh said: “I”ve been extremely proud to represent Middlesex for the last decade.

“To have seen the side develop and grow to the point where we became county champions has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve achieved.”

Middlesex won the County Championship for the first time since 1993 with a thrilling win over Yorkshire at Lord’s in the final game, with Murtagh taking 43 wickets in the season.

Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said: “I am delighted that, in all probability, Tim will finish his career with Middlesex. No current player will ever come close to overtaking the number of wickets Fred Titmus took for the club (2,361) but Tim’s achievements will quite rightly be recognised.

“Last season, he overtook Norman Cowans’ first-class wicket tally for the club to enter the top 25. Norman, quite rightly, is a Middlesex legend and Tim, having helped the club win its first County Championship for 23 years, should now be looked on in a similar manner.”