By David Slater
September 14 2004

Middlesex announced today that star batsman, Owais Shah has signed a four year deal with the club, quashing rumours of a move to Northants or Surrey. The club also announced that Nantie Hayward has signed on for 2005.

25 year old Shah made his first class debut for the club in 1996 and has become a vital part of the team. He made his England ODI debut in 2001 but he suffered limited chances, despite helping Middx claim promotion in the County Championship in 2002. He followed that up with a solid display in 2003 as Middlesex just failed to gain promotion in the NCL.

He was given the role of tempory captain whilst Andy Strauss was with England but struggled in the role and in June was dropped in place of Ed Joyce. He responded with some breath-taking innings but was rumoured to be unhappy and was linked to firstly Northants and then to Surrey, however he has elected to stay at Lord's for the time being.

Nantie Hayward joined the club this year having played for Worcestershire in 2003 but was then dropped by the Midlands club. He played a vital role in the side that excelled in the County Championship, which saw Middlesex top of the table at one point. In June he made the decision to make himself avalible for the South African test side and was selected for the tour to Sri Lanka. He returned in mid-August to revitalise the Middlesex bowling attack. He has signed a  one year deal with the club.

 

PRESS RELEASE - SHAH SIGNS FOUR YEAR DEAL

Middlesex County Cricket Club today (14th September 2004) announced that Owais Shah had secured his long-term future with Middlesex by signing a four-year extension to his contract.

John Emburey, Head Coach, said, "It's fantastic news for the club. Owais has put a difficult early summer behind him to play some magnificent knocks for the club and to produce some match winning performances. He has his best years ahead of him and we are delighted to have secured his long-term future".

Owais Shah, said, "I am delighted to have committed my future to my club. I have been with Middlesex throughout my career and following a very successful season, we have a side that can challenge for honours in the foreseeable future".

Vinny Codrington, Middlesex's Chief Executive, said, "It's great news. All of the club are particularly pleased that Owais gained some recognition for his fantastic performances in the second half of the season by being selected to play for the Academy this winter, which he thoroughly deserves. We are rightly very proud of our home-grown players and it would have been very disappointing if Owais had decided to move on, but it's reassuring to know that he is happy here".

The club also announced that they have re-signed Nantie Hayward as one of their overseas players for 2005. Nantie paid tribute to the playing staff saying that he had had a very happy year and was very much looking forward to coming back.

For information please contact Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive MCCC
Tel: 020 7289 1300 Fax: 020 7289 5831
Email: vinny.codrington@middlesexccc.com