Hutchison leaves Sussex to join Middlesex

Paul Hutchison has joined Middlesex on a two-year contract, after two seasons with Sussex. Hutchison, who also played for Yorkshire from 1995 to 2001, still had a year remaining of his contract, but asked for a move owing to limited first-team opportunities at Hove.

Injuries restricted him to only three appearances in 2002, and he played only four first-class matches last season as well. "Sussex have been very good about it. They could have held me to my contract, but at this stage of my career I cannot afford another season in the second team and they understand that," Hutchison said. "Although several other counties were interested I chose Middlesex as I feel they are on the up, and the coach John Emburey came across as very ambitious."

Hutchison follows Billy Taylor's exit from Sussex, who are reportedly now chasing Mohammad Akram, who played for Essex towards the end of last season and took 20 wickets.