Middlesex sign Surrey opener Mark Stoneman

The former England opener joined Surrey in 2017 and played a key part in the club’s 2018 County Championship victory

Middlesex have signed batsman Mark Stoneman from Surrey initially on loan until the end of the season, before becoming a three-year deal ahead of next season.

The former England opener joined Surrey in 2017 and played a key part in the club’s 2018 County Championship victory.

He played 11 times for England and made a hundred in his final innings for Surrey in the Royal London Cup semi-final against Durham, having previously hit an unbeaten century at Lord’s in the competition’s final.

Stoneman, who becomes Middlesex’s first permanent domestic signing from another county since James Fuller in 2015, said: “I have had a fantastic five years at Surrey and will be forever grateful to Alec Stewart for giving me the opportunity to represent the club.

“They played a key part in helping me achieve an ambition of playing for England. It was an incredibly difficult decision to turn down their contract offer as I’ve loved being part of the Surrey family.

“During my time at the club, I have received fantastic support both on and off the field. However, I was offered a fantastic opportunity by Middlesex and I’m grateful to Alec for his understanding of my decision.”

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “We are obviously disappointed that Rocky chose not to accept our new contract, but I respect his decision and the reasoning behind his move.

“He has been brilliant to work with during his time at Surrey and I wish him every success as he joins Middlesex.”

Stuart Law added: “Having signed Mark on a three-year term, we look forward to welcoming him into the Middlesex family.

“Mark brings a wealth of experience from the cricket side of things, and it will be great to use that experience to drive our young batsmen forward.

“A tough no nonsense bloke who will form an experienced opening partnership with Sam Robson at the top of the order.

“We look forward to working with him in the years to come.

“This is a significant signing for us as we build a squad for future success here at Middlesex, and it won’t be the last signing we make before next season. There’ll be more to come on this in the coming weeks.”