Tim Murtagh wants Middlesex stay after ‘relief and elation’ of County Championship promotion

Middlesex captain Tim Murtagh spoke of his “relief and elation” after the club secured a return to the top tier of the County Championship for the first time since 2017 - and admitted it was a “bonus” to get the job done yesterday without a ball being bowled.

Having secured a fifth batting point in dramatic fashion on day three of their match with Worcestershire, Middlesex needed only a draw to seal promotion behind Nottinghamshire.

With a 284-run first-innings lead, that was all but guaranteed going into the final day but the celebrations were allowed to get underway early when a washout was declared during lunch at New Road.

"It’s been a few years now and we’re finally there,” Murtagh said. “It’s a mixture or relief and elation that we’ve done it.

“It’s always a tired feeling towards the end of the season so to do it without having to go onto the pitch was probably a bonus, to be fair.”

The 41-year-old seamer is now due to be out of contract, but confirmed he will extend his career at Lord’s in order to play in the top-flight next season.

“I’ve always said I want to keep playing as long as I can, as long as I’m enjoying it, as long as the club are enjoying it,” he added. “We’ll sit down in the next couple of weeks and work that all out.”