By Matt Somerford
Middlesex have signed Adam Voges as their LV= County Championship captain in the expected absence of Chris Rogers next season.
Voges has signed a one-year contract to return to Lord’s, where he filled in while Rogers was on Australia duty during the 2013 Ashes summer.
“We are delighted to welcome Adam back to the club,” Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said.
“During the time he previously spent with us he made an extremely positive impression both on and off the pitch.
“Adam is a fine player, as he is showing in Australian domestic cricket, and a top man.”
Middlesex survived relegation on the final day last season, with Rogers playing a key role, but his return next season has been complicated by potential Australia commitments.
Australia are due to tour the West Indies before arriving in England for the Ashes series, which would effectively make Rogers unavailable for most of the domestic campaign.
Rogers has previously stated he might like to finish his career at Middlesex, where he has spent the past four seasons, although the 37-year-old's plans appear set to be put on hold for at least another 12 months.
Voges’ confirmation is as close to a like-for-like replacement as Middlesex could wish for with the 35-year-old, who began his career alongside Rogers at Western Australia, establishing himself as one of the most successful skippers in domestic cricket Down Under over the past 12 months.
The right-hander led Western Australia to their first Sheffield Shield final for 15 years last season and last month skippered the Sandgropers to the 50-over title.
He was also a part of the Perth Scorchers team that won the Big Bash League in February and will be available to Middlesex in all formats – albeit with Eoin Morgan retaining the limited-overs captaincy.
“The absence of Chris Rogers, who we believe will be touring England with Australia in 2015, has left a major hole to fill and we believe, in Adam, we have a more than capable replacement,” said Fraser.
“I would like to thank Adam for agreeing to captain the team in four-day cricket in 2015. He will provide us with experience, skill and quality in this department.
“I would also like to thank (coach) Justin Langer and Western Australia for allowing Adam to play in England.”
Voges averaged just under 55 during his four-game championship stint at Lord’s in 2013 – during which he also played 13 limited-overs matches.
He was due to return for a one-off fixture last summer and, while that did not eventuate, Voges revealed he had no hesitation in agreeing a move when he was approached about returning for next summer.
“I am delighted to have re-joined Middlesex for the 2015 season and I am hugely honoured to be captaining the club in four-day cricket.”
“As soon as Angus Fraser spoke to me about coming back to Middlesex, it was clear in my mind that it was something I was very keen to do having played for the club in 2013.”
“Obviously my aim for 2015 is to help lead the team towards success in all three formats of the game and I strongly believe we have a squad capable of doing that.”
While Voges will primarily be relied upon to lead the four-day team, he will arrive at Lord’s with a formidable short-format record too, having played 38 limited-overs matches for Australia and averaging above 45 in both formats.
Middlesex have also moved to secure one of their most promising young talents with confirmation that 20-year-old batsman Nick Gubbins has signed his first professional contract.
Gubbins has penned a three-year deal and after breaking into the first-team last summer - highlighted by scoring 95 in the championship game at Somerset - he could see more opportunities in the absence of fellow left-handed opener Rogers.
“On numerous occasions last summer Nick showed everyone what a talented young cricketer he is, so we are delighted that he has agreed to sign full-time with the club once his university commitments have finished," said Fraser.
“Last summer was a difficult one for Middlesex, but the performances of young players like Nick, Ryan Higgins, Harry Podmore and Tom Helm show that we have a number of exciting cricketers coming through the club, which is great news.”
Gubbins, who has previously been on a summer deal while he has completed his university studies, added: “Having played at Middlesex since the age of 14, it has always my dream to represent the club in the long term.
“I am hugely proud to have been awarded a three year full-time contract and look forward to building on the opportunities I received this summer and to helping the club win some silverware in the near future.”
Looking forward to seeing this fella around the place again!! Welcome back Vogesy @acvogespic.twitter.com/wpAElSnv4E
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) November 6, 2014