Nick Gubbins leaves Middlesex to join Hampshire

After eight years and more than 5,000 first class runs, the top-order batsman joins Hampshire on loan, before the deal becomes permanent at the end of the season

Middlesex batsman Nick Gubbins has left the county to join Hampshire.

The opener decided against extending his contract, which expires at the end of this season. Instead, he travels to the Ageas Bowl initially on a loan deal, before becoming a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Gubbins has been one of Middlesex's successful batsmen across the last decade and was influential in winning the County Championship title in 2016.

Regarded as one of England's most promising batting talents in the early years of his career, he has struggled to replicate his form from that season on a consistent basis ever since. 

Hampshire were in the market for a top order batsman after it was announced that Sam Northeast would be leaving the club. He has since joined Yorkshire on a short-term deal, before becoming available to speak to other counties.

“We are obviously disappointed Nick has chosen to leave Middlesex and to miss the opportunity to play a leading role as we witness the emergence of an exciting group of talented local young cricketers,” said Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser.

“We thank him for his time with Middlesex and wish him well.”

Gubbins played 152 times for Middlesex across all formats after making his debut in 2014.