Former Yorkshire spinning all-rounder James Middlebrook has made a sensational return to his home county on a short-term deal.
The 37-year-old free agent, released by Northamptonshire at the end of last season despite topping their LV= County Championship run-charts, will fill in for the champions while leg-spinner Adil Rashid tours West Indies with England.
Leeds-born Middlebrook has been plying his trade for New Farnley in the Bradford League this term and could make his second White Rose debut in the Division One clash with Warwickshire at Headingley from Sunday.
Middlebrook, who played for the Tykes between 1998 and 2001, said: “It has been surreal.
“I wasn’t expecting a call to come and play first-class cricket again and to get the call from Yorkshire was a shock. I’m excited and looking forward to my second debut with the club.
“It will be a big honour to walk out in front of the Yorkshire members on Sunday at Headingley.
“Yorkshire are a talented side with some great players. I’ll do my job and hopefully help the lads get a win against Warwickshire.”
After the release of Azeem Rafiq, Yorkshire were left with just Rashid and youngster Karl Carver in their spin department.
The latter, filling the void left by Rashid's call-up, played in the Tykes’ win over Worcestershire at New Road but having missed out on selection for the Nottinghamshire draw, first-team coach Jason Gillespie has turned to Middlebook for his experience.
The former Australia paceman, currently unable to call on six players due to internatinal commitments and injured seamer Ryan Sidebottom, said: “With our first-choice spinner Adil Rashid in the Caribbean with England we felt we had to look at an option to fill that void.
Great to see James Middlebrook sign for the Yorkies. He's a top pro and a top man!
— Gary Keedy (@keeds23) April 24, 2015
“Karl Carver has been in our squad this season and we have been pleased with his development over the past 12 months. However, at this point in time, we feel he is best served learning his trade in the second team.
“James Middlebrook was available, having been released by Northamptonshire last season. The fact that he is based in Leeds playing local league cricket in the Bradford League, we felt that with his experience that he could come in and do a job for us in the short-term.
“He is an experienced campaigner and knows the county system inside out.
“I expect him to do well for us and add to our squad in the short-tem. James will play for his club, New Farnley, on Saturday and will more than likely make his debut for us on Sunday against Warwickshire.”
Welcome back home @midders07 !! Proper pro, proud Yorkie & top man. #BoarHead
— Jack Brooks (@BrooksyFerret) April 24, 2015