Dane Paterson: A New Chapter at Middlesex
At 35, Dane Paterson is embarking on a fresh chapter in his cricketing journey. After impressive performances in South Africa’s home summer, where he netted five-wicket hauls in both Tests against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha and Pakistan at Centurion, Paterson has signed with Middlesex for the first seven Championship fixtures. This includes four matches at the iconic Lord’s, a venue where South Africa will face Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Paterson’s contract marks a significant move for the seasoned fast bowler, as he looks to spearhead Middlesex’s bowling attack following the departure of Ethan Bamber to Warwickshire over the winter.
A Proven Performer in English Conditions
Paterson’s credentials are well-established. Over the past four seasons with Nottinghamshire, he has amassed 180 Championship wickets at an impressive average of 23.25, including seven five-wicket hauls. Despite his impressive record, Nottinghamshire opted not to renew his contract, paving the way for his move to Middlesex. Paterson is poised to bring his wealth of experience and skill to the Middlesex squad, helping them strive for promotion back to Division One, a goal he is deeply committed to achieving. "It’s an honor to be joining Middlesex," Paterson expressed. "I will do my best to give Middlesex the best chance of getting promoted back to Division One again, where the club belongs. I can’t wait to be playing at Lord’s—such a prestigious ground—and I’m just really excited about the challenge that lies ahead."
A Fond Farewell to Nottinghamshire
While Paterson is enthusiastic about his new chapter, he remains grateful for the time he spent at Nottinghamshire. "Whilst obviously I’m sad not to be returning to Trent Bridge after what has been an amazing four years, I’ll always treasure the time I’ve spent there," he reflected. "It quickly became a home away from home for me, and I made friendships in the dressing room which I’m sure will last a lifetime." Paterson’s tenure at Nottinghamshire was marked by his consistency and leadership, and his departure leaves a significant void that the club will need to address.
Preparing for the WTC Final
The World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia is a highly anticipated event, and Middlesex’s involvement in this preparation phase is strategic. Alongside Paterson, other notable players like Australia’s Cameron Green (Gloucestershire) and Beau Webster (Warwickshire) will also use the Championship to hone their skills. Many potential WTC participants will be involved in either the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the Pakistan Super League (PSL) during the April-May window, making the Championship a crucial platform for those who are not.
Middlesex’s Robust Preparations
Middlesex did not sign an overseas player in the previous year due to financial constraints, but they have been proactive this time around. Paterson is the third significant signing announced by the club this month, following Kane Williamson and Josh Little. The addition of Zafar Gohar, a Pakistan-born spinner with a British passport, and Ben Geddes from Surrey as a replacement for Mark Stoneman, further bolsters their squad. Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s director of cricket, expressed his satisfaction with these signings. "We are really pleased to get this signing secured as Dane is a player that will bring an enormous amount of quality to our pace attack and is someone that can make a real impact for us in the first half of the season," he said. "He has proven throughout the four years he spent with Nottinghamshire that he has all the attributes needed to succeed in English conditions, and he brings with him a wealth of experience, built up over many years on both the domestic and international stages."
Durham’s Short-Term Gain with Brendan Doggett
Meanwhile, Durham has announced the signing of Brendan Doggett, a South Australian seamer who recently played for Australia A against the England Lions. Doggett, eligible for a short-term visa, is set to arrive in time for Durham’s match against Warwickshire on April 11 and will be available for the early weeks of the 2025 season. This strategic move by Durham aims to strengthen their pace bowling lineup for the initial phase of the season, providing them with an experienced and skillful option. Doggett’s addition underscores the club’s commitment to securing a competitive edge in the upcoming fixtures.
