Cricket News: IPL and KKR star Umesh Yadav joins Middlesex in County Cricket

Afridi had to return home to prepare for Pakistan's two-test tour of Sri Lanka; thus, Umesh Yadav was called in for the County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup. 

On Monday, Alan Coleman, Middlesex's head of men's performance cricket, confirmed the signing of the Indian seamer for the Club. He said, "It was always our intention to have an overseas international bowler with us throughout the duration of the season, and since Shaheen returned to Pakistan prior to the start of our Blast campaign we've been looking for the right player to replace him. Yadav can make a huge difference for us for the remainder of our Championship campaign and to our prospects in the Royal London Cup."

Praising the bowler, he further added, "He has a lot to offer as a bowler. He bowls from outside the crease, has a deadly short ball, frequently hits 140 kph, and can move the ball both ways. In English conditions, he will be a genuine nuisance for opposing hitters. We are happy to welcome Umesh to Middlesex and wish him the best of luck while he is a member of the Club."

He became the fourth Indian to feature in the ongoing season of the English Domestic League. With over 650 wickets to his name across all the formats, he carries colossal experience and will be a boon for the Club. 

Earlier, all-rounders Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Cheteshwar Pujara were called to contribute to the league. This is Umesh Yadav's maiden stint at this championship and has been signed to join with immediate effect and will be included in the playing XI for Middlesex's fixture against Worcestershire Rapids. With the opportunity to play first-class and List-A forms, he will also benefit significantly from playing on English soil.