Middlesex sign Smith from Sussex

Smith played just one County Championship game for Sussex

Middlesex have confirmed the signing of Sussex spinner Tom Smith.

The 22-year-old slow left-armer, who ended the summer on loan with Surrey, has signed a three-year contract.

Eastbourne-born Smith made his County Championship debut at the start of the 2009 season, but found his chances limited at relegated Sussex.

Smith's move caps a memorable week, in which he got his first England call, being drafted into Category 'C' of this winter's performance squad.

"Leaving Sussex is a shame for me," said Smith. "But I am hugely excited about the opportunities at Middlesex and playing at Lord's."

Following the departure of Indian overseas spinner Murali Kartik to Somerset, Smith, who still had a year left on his Sussex contract, has the chance to make his mark at Lord's.

We're excited at the prospect of Tom Smith and Shaun Udal forming a formidable spin partnership together

Middlesex boss Angus Fraser

Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser told the county's website: "We've been watching Tom for quite some time and are thrilled that, despite interest from a number of other counties, he has chosen to commit his future to Middlesex for the next three years.

"Tom's opportunities in recent seasons have been extremely limited at Sussex, not surprisingly, given Mushtaq Ahmed's, and more recently Piyush Chawla's presence in the Sussex spinning ranks.

"Tom joins us relishing the opportunity to play more first team cricket. And we are excited at the prospect of him and Shaun Udal forming a formidable spin partnership together."

Smith finished the 2009 season on loan at Middlesex's London neighbours Surrey, for whom he played two Pro40 matches.