English county Middlesex have roped in their longtime member Paul Stirling as a replacement for Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for the first five matches of the T20 blast campaign starting early next month. Stirling has played for Middlesex for nearly a decade and will provide explosive batting at the top of the order in the T20 competition.
Middlesex recognised the ‘huge impression’ the Irish opener had on the team in his previous stint and his ability to strike the ball earned him a place in the squad in place of Marsh, which the MD of Cricket at Middlesex termed a ‘blow.’
"Losing Mitch Marsh is obviously a blow, but if a team is looking for a strong, clean striker of a cricket ball, Paul is highly qualified to fill the role. Paul made a huge impression on Middlesex members and supporters during his initial time with the Club and it will be great to see him once again wearing a Middlesex shirt and representing the club," said Angus Fraser, the MD of Cricket at Middlesex.
Notably, the Middlesex have signed Stirling as a replacement only for the first five games and it means they are relying on Marsh to join the squad at a later stage in the tournament.
For Stirling though, it is an extended opportunity to rejoin with his old mates at Middlesex and open a plethora of opportunities in the near future such as in The Hundred.
"I have such fond memories and many friends within the club and I am excited to entertain the public once more. I am looking to put on my best performances for the world to see, and hopefully, a successful stint will create further opportunities, potentially in the Hundred, and further afield, as I would like to test myself in all competitions globally," Stirling said.
Stirling played for Middlesex in the phase between 2010 to 2019 and scored 2246 runs from 89 appearances in the domestic T20 competition.