Henry Brookes: Middlesex sign Warwickshire seamer on three-year deal

Middlesex have signed Warwickshire fast bowler Henry Brookes.

The 24-year-old right-arm seamer, who will move to Lord's in January on a three-year deal, follows this winter's exit of younger brother Ethan Brookes to Worcestershire.

Brookes took 80 wickets in 31 first-class matches for the Bears, as well as 77 wickets in 60 white-ball games.

"Henry is someone we've been keeping a close eye on for some time," said director of cricket Alan Coleman.

"He is a player with a huge amount of genuine talent, who can bowl with real pace and aggression, and is someone we believe will add a completely different dimension to our attack.

"He is still young and has huge potential to develop into one of the best bowlers in the country, and we're delighted that he'll be doing so in a Middlesex shirt."

Solihull-born Brookes made his Warwickshire debut at the age of 18 in 2017, against Essex in the County Championship - and played for Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred in 2022.

He took 5-25 against Southern Brave to become only the third player to take a five-wicket haul in the competition.

Middlesex's financial plans are being overseen by the England and Wales Cricket Board after the governing body sanctioned the county in September for breaches of financial regulations.

"The challenges we face financially dictate that we are having to make some really difficult decisions for the long-term good of the club," said Middlesex chief executive Andrew Cornish.

"Making these calls however, which positively impact on our financial position, can give us the opportunity where appropriate to invest in our playing squad. The signing of Henry Brookes is a great example of this."