Miguel Cummins signs Kolpak deal with Middlesex; quits playing for West Indies

West Indies fast bowler Miguel Cummins has decided to quit playing for the Caribbeans. He has signed a three-year Kolpak deal with Middlesex. This is a surprising move from the pacer as he was in contention time and again in the Test side. His recent most appearance for the team was in the first Test of the two-match Test series against India.

Cummins played for Middlesex only last month as an overseas player in three matches and went on pick eight wickets. He is the third West Indian to take the Kolpak route with Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul also signing deals with Hampshire and Derbyshire. Cummins has played under Stuart Law, who is currently the Middlesex head coach when he was at the helm for the West Indies between 2017 and 2018.

Miguel Cummins played 14 Tests and 11 ODIs for the West Indies after making his international debut in 2014. He went on to pick 27 and 9 wickets respectively in both the formats.

Law’s recommendation worked for Middlesex

Stuart Law recommended Middlesex County to go for the 29-year-old after his recent stint with the team where the pacer impressed a lot. “Stuart Law recommended that we get Miguel over, to have a look at him, on the back of the time he had spent with him whilst coaching the West Indies. I had watched Miguel on video, but it is often only when you see someone play live that you get a true reflection of their capabilities. I was immediately impressed by Miguel.

“He has control, is able to move the ball away from a right-handed batsman and, I believe, the ability to bowl fast, aggressive spells when conditions dictate. During the recent spell he spent with Middlesex, he fit in really well and will be a popular member of our squad,” Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Middlesex are also looking for the new captain for the next season with Dawid Malan stepping down from the helm. The team did well under his leadership as Middlesex qualified for the knockout stages in both the limited-overs tournaments.

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