Middlebrook headed to Wantage Road after eight years with Essex

Northants off-spinner James Middlebrook has underlined his determination to make a fresh start with his new county.

The 32-year-old Yorkshireman opted to move to Wantage Road during the winter after spending eight seasons at Essex.

Middlebrook, who played for the MCC in Abu Dhabi, told the BBC: "I don't think I'd lost my love of the game.

"But I've come to Northants to revitalise myself, to find some more passion and urgency in my cricket, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Middlebrook was joined by new Northants colleague David Sales in the MCC side in the season-opener against county champions Durham.

But he sits out the county's opening first-class match of the year, against Oxford University, which starts on Saturday.

"They're a good set of lads at Northants and hopefully we can do well this year," Middlebrook added.

"I hope to be bowling in tandem with [Northants captain] Nicky Boje who's a very good Test player and county pro.

"And I'm only 32 so all being well I'll be able to play for a few more years and win things with Northants.

"Shaun Udal [of Middlesex] is still playing at 41 - it's about staying fit and having a hunger for the game."

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