Pybus has had two spells as Pakistan coach

The club short-listed six candidates for the role following John Emburey's promotion to director of cricket and the 42-year-old was successful.

Emburey said: "We have managed to capture the signature of a world-class, international coach in Richard, he was an outstanding person."

Middlesex were relegated in both the Championship and NatWest Pro40 in 2006.

But they have already made four signings to strengthen their bowling attack with Chaminda Vaas and Murali Kartik agreeing to be their overseas players this summer.

Richard Johnson has rejoined them from Somerset and Tim Murtagh has made the short move from Surrey.

They have also appointed a new captain with former England batsman Ed Smith taking over from Ben Hutton.

Pybus had two spells with Pakistan and recently coached South African side the Titans to the Provincial Championship.

He said: "It is great news for Middlesex that (Andrew) Strauss, (Ed) Joyce and (Jamie) Dalrymple are part of England's World Cup campaign, buoyed by the wonderful comeback in the CB series in Australia.

"This experience and the self belief that comes from it will be beneficial in the dressing room next season, this allied to the strengthening up of the bowling attack with the signings of (Chaminda) Vaas and (Murali) Kartik to go with Middlesex's depth in the batting department gives the squad good balance in all departments."