Friday 6 February 2015 13:13, UK
Middlesex have confirmed the signing of New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin on a two-year contract with the option of a third year.
The 34-year-old, who will call time on his international career after 110 ODIs and 38 Twenty20 games for the Black Caps, has Irish ancestry and therefore can play county cricket as a non-overseas player.
Franklin said: "Whilst I'm very honoured to be joining Middlesex for the next few years, I want to first take my cap off to Wellington for whom I've had a hugely enjoyable and memorable career in New Zealand.
"It's been an absolute privilege to play for Wellington for over 15 years. And although this decision closes the chapter on playing for New Zealand again I know I've been incredibly fortunate to have spent over a decade being involved
playing international cricket, and have had some of my greatest memories and experiences in cricket playing with the Silver Fern on my cap.
"My family and I will relocate to London in April and we're all very excited about what the future holds."
Franklin has previously played for Nottinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan and Essex.
