The 24-year-old, has agreed a three-year deal with Middlesex, who – as The Cricketer understands – have been after Brookes ever since the possibility of his availability became known
Middlesex have signed Warwickshire fast bowler Henry Brookes, as was first reported by The Cricketer in October.
The 24-year-old, who is being released from his home county with a year remaining on his contract, has agreed a three-year deal with Middlesex, who – as The Cricketer understands – have been after Brookes ever since the possibility of his availability became known.
Richard Johnson, the county's first-team coach, is believed to be a big fan.
They are believed to have seen off competition from elsewhere, including from Durham, for the signature of a seamer who – after making his County Championship debut at 18 – was described by Ashley Giles as a "potential superstar".
Middlesex's financial situation has been well documented in recent months, and a fortnight ago the county confirmed that they would play two T20 Blast home games at Chelmsford instead of at their established outgrounds. That decision was not popular with many members and supporters but was made to prevent the potential losses incurred by hosting at Radlett and Merchant Taylors'.
They remain able to sign players, however. As part of the club's sanctions agreed with the ECB in September, a limit was placed on their budget for spending on players. Brookes is the second player through the door this winter, following in the footsteps of Derbyshire captain Leus du Plooy.
Sam Robson renewed his contract last week through to 2026, while Toby Roland-Jones is also expected to sign fresh terms.
Brookes spent part of last season on loan at Derbyshire (David Rogers/Getty Images)
For Warwickshire, the departure of Brookes – one of three brothers to come through the club's academy – is a shame for multiple reasons.
Injuries have stunted his development and his ability to consistently hit the pace for which he first became known. He trained with England as a teenager after being clocked at 90mph in a televised game and was part of the enlarged white-ball squad ahead of the Covid-summer ODIs against Ireland.
The general consensus was that Warwickshire had a diamond on their hands. Ian Bell told The Cricketer in 2021: "The top bowlers have to be able to get into a competition even on a flat pitch that's not in their favour. I see a lot of that in Henry. He will learn, but he's got the appetite and raw ability to be a very exciting young player."
He is the second Brookes sibling to leave Edgbaston this winter, after younger brother Ethan departed for Worcestershire. Ben, the oldest, now plays in the Surrey Championship for Cranleigh.
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