Middlesex appoint Pybus as coach

Middlesex have appointed Richard Pybus, the former Pakistan coach, as first team coach on a three-year deal. He fills the role which has been vacant since John Emburey took on the director of cricket position at the start of last season.

Pybus is currently coaching the Titans in South African domestic cricket and will complete the season with them before joining up with Middlesex in early April. His first major match will be the County Championship opener against Somerset, at Taunton, starting on April 18.

He was Pakistan coach from 1999 until 2001, leading them to the '99 final, and again during the 2003 World Cup. He said: "I am delighted to be joining Middlesex and am looking forward to working closely with Ed [Smith, the captain], John [Emburey] and all the guys in returning Middlesex to the top flight of English cricket.

"We have a fantastic challenge this coming season to not only get Middlesex back into Division One of the County Championship but to work toward becoming the dominant side in the short form of the game."

"The strengthening up of the bowling attack with the signings of [Chaminda] Vaas and [Murali] Kartik to go with Middlesex's depth in the batting department gives the squad good balance in all departments".

Emburey added: "We have managed to capture the signature of a world class, international coach in Richard. He was the outstanding person from an excellent short list.

"He has coached Pakistan twice and has just won the provincial championship with the Titans, and his credentials are second to none."