Newman moves to Middlesex

Opener Scott Newman has switched over to Middlesex after being released by Surrey a year ahead of the expiry of his contract by mutual consent. His Middlesex move comes after a nine-year spell at Surrey, where he began his professional career in 2002.

Newman, 29, played 90 of his 100 first-class matches for Surrey, scoring 6404 runs at 42.69 with 14 centuries. Among the highlights of his Surrey stay was a Championship match against Glamorgan in 2005, when he become the county's first batsman to make a century and a double-century in the same game.

Middlesex have offered a three-year deal to Newman as they look to bolster an inexperienced batting line-up. The county struggled in 2009 as their two senior batsmen - Andrew Strauss and Owais Shah - were busy with international commitments for much of the season.

"In Scott Newman, Middlesex have secured the services of a well-respected and vastly experienced county professional," Vinny Codrington, the Middlesex chief executive, said. "He ... is the type of player that would have made a huge difference for us last season. We're ... looking forward to him adding some invaluable experience and seniority to the top of our batting line-up."

Newman was thrilled at joining Middlesex after a tough season, the second half of which he spent on loan at Nottinghamshire. "I am delighted to have signed a permanent contract with Middlesex, which will see me playing cricket here for at least the next three seasons," he said. "I am relishing the opportunity of establishing my place within the Middlesex side and to playing some regular first-team cricket."