Malan skipper for Middlesex in all formats, but unlikely to feature much in Royal London One-Day Cup

Middlesex have announced Steven Finn will captain the team in Dawid Malan’s likely absence in this year’s Royal London One-Day Cup.

Malan is Middlesex’s captain in all formats this season, but is set to play a limited role in the Royal London One-Day Cup because of his England Test commitments.

Finn will skipper the side when Malan is unavailable, with long-serving wicket-keeper John Simpson stepping up to the role of vice-captain when required.

“I am delighted to have been asked to captain the side in Dawid’s absence,” Finn told the Middlesex website.

“Having played at Middlesex since the age of fifteen I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity.

“We can hopefully move the side forward in white-ball cricket and achieve success in this year’s competition.”

Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser added: “Steven is at the stage in his career where he is very keen to take on greater responsibility.

“With the expected absence of Dawid with England, Steven is highly likely to get the opportunity to guide the club through most of our Royal London One-Day Cup group games.

“John is in a similar position to Steven and the pair will have the brain and experience of Eoin Morgan to help guide them.

“These opportunities are great for the development of both players and I look forward to watching them at work.”

Finn is one of the most experienced players in the Middlesex ranks, having made his List A debut in 2007.

Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to play for England in all formats of the game, but is unlikely to feature in their Test plans this summer.

That means Middlesex can call on the bowler for much of their Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.

The Lord’s-based club begin their Royal London One-Day Cup group matches on May 17 when they host Essex at Radlett Cricket Club.

Middlesex then host Kent at the same venue three days later, before visiting Glamorgan on May 23 which rounds out their opening three group games.