Middlesex sign Ashton Agar for Vitality Blast

Middlesex have announced the signing of Australian all-rounder Ashton Agar for this year's Vitality Blast.

Agar will join up with his new teammates after Australia have completed their five-match ODI series and IT20 fixture against England at the end of June.

The 24-year-old will be available for all 14 of Middlesex's South Group games - beginning with Surrey at Lord's on July 5 - and will remain should his side reach the knockout stage.

Agar has taken the T20 format by storm this year with a batting average of 49.66 and a strike rate of over 128 for Perth Scorchers. He also showcased his bowling skills with his eight wickets from an average of just 25, with an economy rate of only 5.74.

The left-arm spinner, who has helped the Scorchers win three of the last five Big Bash titles, said: "I'm thrilled and very grateful to have signed for Middlesex for the upcoming Vitality Blast campaign and look forward to the challenge of achieving success with them.

"It's a great opportunity to play with an exciting group of players coached by Dan Vettori, a person I always looked up to as a young spinner and cricketer in general.

"I can't wait to walk out at Lord's, one of the most beautiful grounds in the world - it's quite a privilege."

Agar has represented Australia in seven T20 internationals, accumulating 158 runs from 126 balls and taking eight wickets.

"In conversations with Daniel Vettori, it became apparent that we required an all-rounder to strengthen our T20 side. Ashton Agar's name quickly came to the top of our list," said Middlesex's managing director of cricket, Angus Fraser.

He added: "Ashton is developing into a high-quality cricketer. He has shown that he can bat at the top of the order and continues to be an effective bowler. He is available for the entire tournament and is a cracking young man.

"I am confident he will fit in to our squad well and produce match-winning performances."