Another toiling English fast bowler Olly Stone, aged 31, has joined Middlesex on a short-term loan. This partnership with Nottinghamshire is effective right away. This CARIFTA two-week deal means that Stone can train and come up to match fitness. He is still getting back into a rhythm after missing the first three months of the season while recovering from knee surgery. He is set to make his first appearance for Middlesex. The all-County Championship Quarter-Final against Derbyshire started at Lord’s, Monday 12th June!
Stone is currently playing for Notts in the T20 Blast. He participated in The Hundred this year, representing London Spirit. The cool thing about this is that he hasn’t played a first class match this year. This loan is essential to his progression and full match fitness ahead of next season’s campaign.
Nottinghamshire’s head coach, Peter Moores, expressed confidence in Stone’s abilities, noting the importance of match time for the bowler.
“We’re fortunate to have a number of seam bowlers to choose from for our next couple of games, and we want to make sure Olly has the best possible chance to get some miles back in the legs after some impressive spells in white-ball cricket so far this summer. A fit and firing Olly Stone is an asset for any side and we’re sure he’ll be well-served by this short spell at Middlesex.” – Peter Moores
Middlesex, currently positioned fourth in Division Two of the County Championship, welcomes Stone as they aim to bolster their squad ahead of the season’s concluding matches. Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s director of cricket, highlighted the significance of acquiring a player of Stone’s caliber at this stage of the season.
“As we reach the end of the season, the rigours of the season inevitably take their toll on the fast-bowling unit, so to be able to bring someone in of Olly’s proven international quality to freshen things up ahead of the County Championship run-in is a huge bonus.” – Alan Coleman
Stone had earlier made five Test appearances for England, two of them against Sri Lanka during the summer of 2024. His pedigree on the international stage only adds to his value in a stacked Middlesex’s lineup. His recent performances in limited-overs cricket illustrate he’s an important piece as they try to extend their competitive window.
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