Glenn on a leash

Glenn McGrath has been told by Australia that he can play in only two championship matches during his month with Middlesex.

"It's a bit disappointing but not horrendous from our point of view," said secretary Vinny Codrington.

McGrath, a short-term replacement for Lance Klusener, cannot appear in Sunday's Totesport League fixture in Durham, 48 hours after his arrival in England, and while he can play in other one-day games he must also miss the championship matches against Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

"Australia have been very specific about it and if we want Glenn - which we do - we must adhere to that," added Codrington.

McGrath, under contract to Australia, has only just recovered from an ankle injury.