Struggling Ashes contender seeks game time with a Division Two club in pursuit of County Championship action
Olly Stone Joins Middlesex Ahead of Ashes Contention
Olly Stone, the English fast bowler, has been loaned to Middlesex from Nottinghamshire for the upcoming County Championship rounds. The move comes as Stone seeks game time to prepare for the Ashes, with England set to tour Australia later this year.
If selected, Stone would embark on his first Test tour to Australia. His last representative outing for England was in September 2024. His first-class record of 174 wickets from 54 matches at 27.16 suggests he could bring quality and experience to Middlesex's team.
Middlesex, currently fourth in Division Two with 138 points, are looking forward to welcoming Stone to the Club. Middlesex director of cricket, Alan Coleman, stated that Stone's addition will freshen things up ahead of the County Championship run-in.
Middlesex have had limited success with their seamers this season, with Toby Roland-Jones (31 wickets) and Ryan Higgins (35 wickets) being the most productive. Stone's addition could provide a much-needed boost.
Nottinghamshire, on the other hand, have a settled seam attack with Mohammad Abbas, Brett Hutton, and Josh Tongue. Stone represented Warwickshire in the County Championship before joining Middlesex.
Since his return from injury in July, Stone has only played T20 cricket. He has appeared in four T20 Blast games for Nottinghamshire and two Hundred matches for London Spirit, taking four wickets across the six games.
Middlesex's upcoming County Championship fixtures include games against Derbyshire, Lancashire, and Gloucestershire. Derbyshire, currently third, are three points ahead of Middlesex. Leicestershire leads Division Two with 193 points.
Stone's addition to Middlesex comes as he is in contention for the pace group traveling to Australia for the away Ashes later this year. The fast bowler was part of the squad for the first home Ashes Test in 2019 but didn't make the XI. If selected, this would be his first Test tour to Australia.
Middlesex are excited to see what Stone will bring over the next fortnight and are hoping that he can help them climb the Division Two standings ahead of the Ashes.
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