Eoin Morgan has withdrawn from Thursday’s Indian Premier League auction, meaning he is set be available to Middlesex earlier than expected.
The 27-year-old tweeted: "I would like to thank @IPL for accepting my request to withdraw from this year's auction. Good luck with the tournament."
Morgan, who has represented Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, would have almost certainly been bought in the auction, denying Middlesex his services for the early part of the season.
However, following the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh - whose final coincides with Middlesex’s first LV= County County Championship game - and a period of rest, the Panthers’ new white-ball skipper should get some championship action in April and May.
The batsman, who was recently named England’s limited-overs vice-captain, is then likely to be involved in a one-day international with Scotland on May 10 and limited-overs internationals versus Sri Lanka in May and June.
Morgan, whose last Test was in early 2012, will hope for a recall to the five-day team for two matches against Sri Lanka during June.