Haywood raring to go

Nantie Hayward is bursting to start work with Middlesex and even keener, it seems, to make Worcestershire pay for letting him go.

The fiery South African fast bowler will join forces this summer with sometime international team-mate Lance Klusener in what could turn out to be the most explosive overseas double act in county cricket.

Middlesex were understandably upset last month after missing out on their first-choice foreign recruits. Queenslander Ashley Noffke made himself unavailable for another term at Lord's because of a fragile back and spinner Anil Kumble's hope of signing was scuppered by India's national selectors.

Now, though, coach John Emburey is celebrating the capture of 'two proven worldclass performers'.

Hayward and Klusener have a bit to prove these days but that should make them more determined to make their mark at Middlesex.

Hayward, 26, counted himself out of South Africa's tour to England last summer in order to play for Worcestershire. Yet despite taking 67 first-class wickets at 23 runs apiece and helping the county to win promotion, his two-year contract was cut in half.

'I'm very excited at the prospect of playing for Middlesex,' said Hayward, a 90mph-plus paceman who has won 14 Test caps. 'I am keen to repay the faith the county have shown in me. Lord's is a fantastic place to play and I can't wait for the season to start.

'I'm especially looking forward to the games against Worcestershire.'

Klusener's awesome hitting ability and handy medium-pace bowling will be available to Middlesex from May to July, and possibly beyond, depending on international commitments.