Middlesex hope to land Kumble

Anil Kumble is being lined-up as Middlesex's second overseas player in 2004.

"We are looking to sign him," John Emburey, Middlesex's coach, told the BBC. "We just need to get confirmation from the Board of Control. He is happy to come."

Kumble is no stranger to county cricket, having had successful spells with Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. He is currently on tour with India in Australia, but he has no international commitments between the start of the English season and India's arrival for ODIs in England at the end of August.

Ashley Noffke has already been confirmed as one of Middlesex's two overseas players. The county has also recently completed the signings of Melvyn Betts and Paul Hutchison.