Middlesex Eager For STU To Lay Down Law

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Middlesex are opting for something new in pursuit of something old. Stuart Law’s mission when he takes over as head coach in January is clear – return Middlesex to the glory days of 2016.

It was just two shorts years ago – or 24 long months depending on your perspective – that the Londoners lifted the County Championship title, although the decline since has been sharp.

The majority of that squad remain at Lord’s but an immediate relegation to the second tier was followed by a midtable finish in Division Two this season, where they never really threatened to mount a promotion push.

The rapid fall led to Richard Scott being fired mid-season after nine years at the helm and while results picked up under temporary coach Richard Johnson, Law has now been handed a four-year contract to bring the good times back to the home of cricket.

The Australian comes highly recommended, both as a player – where 79 first-class centuries and 54 ODI appearances speak to his quality as a batsman – and as a coach, where he has impressed in charge of Bangladesh and West Indies.

And top-order batsman Steve Eskinazi is convinced Law can work his magic at Lord’s, on the county’s talented young batsmen especially.