England Lions' Tom Helm signs new Middlesex contract
Monday 23 January 2017 17:57, UK
Middlesex have given Tom Helm a new contract, tying him to Lord's until 2019.
The new deal represents a vote of confidence in the fast bowler, whose injury problems mean he has played just seven first-class games since making his County Championship debut in 2013.
Helm was fast-tracked into the England Lions side late last year after impressing in the nets in the United Arab Emirates, and Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser believes the 22-year-old is "one of the most exciting young cricketers in the country".
"All Tom needs is an injury free period," Fraser added. "When he gets this his career will move forward very quickly. We all hope that period is 2017 - he deserves it to be."
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Helm, who tours Sri Lanka with the Lions next month, said: "I am thrilled to have extended my contract.
"I would like to pass on my thanks to Angus and the rest of the management at Middlesex for continuing to show faith in me and for supporting me through what has been a difficult and frustrating couple of years spent largely on the sidelines.
"I'm feeling fit and strong now and am excited about the prospect of a winter ahead with the England Lions before returning to Middlesex in pre-season when I can set about repaying the belief they've shown in me."
