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Chris Green joins Middlesex for first half of T20 Blast

Chris Green has starred with the ball for the Thunder in recent years Getty Images

Chris Green, the offspinning allrounder, will join Middlesex for the first half of the T20 Blast as a replacement for Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Mujeeb's stint with the club has been delayed until the second half of the competition because of "unforeseen visa issues" quarantine-related travel constraints, Middlesex said in a statement.

"Mujeeb is not alone in having to quarantine in a country outside the UK prior to arriving and continued uncertainty over the timescale of these delays has caused Middlesex to make the decision to push back Mujeeb's arrival," the statement said. "As a consequence Green will have an increased number of games to play in. Mujeeb is expected to be with the club and available for the last seven group matches."

Green has vast T20 experience around the world, including the BBL with Sydney Thunder, the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, the CPL with Guyana Amazon Warriors and in the 2019 Blast with Birmingham Bears. He was part of the Thunder side that won the title in 2016 and played for Guyana when they lost the 2018 CPL final to Trinbago Knight Riders.

Green said: "I have really enjoyed my previous experiences playing in England and I am looking forward to playing at Lord's for the first time."

The 27-year-old Green has 87 T20 wickets from 108 appearances, with best bowling figures of 4 for 14 and a highest score of 49.

Middlesex head coach Stuart Law said: "Chris is an experienced performer in T20 cricket and has played in tournaments all over the world. He has had a huge impact at Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash for a few years now and I look forward to him bringing that wealth of experience here to Middlesex.

"Dealing with Covid has caused us a few headaches, but Chris will slot in nicely to cover for Mujeeb until his arrival."

Middlesex's second overseas slot for the Blast will be shared between Paul Stirling, who is due to play the first five games of the tournament, and Daryl Mitchell, who will link up with the club after the World Test Championship final.