Lord's Will Adhere To The Long Arm Of Law

IF THINGS had been different, Stuart Law would be preparing the West Indies to take on England.

- Chris Stocks

Instead, Caribbean cricket’s loss is Middlesex’s gain as the Australian coach sets about trying to restore the 2016 County Champions’ Division One status.

Law, who played one Test and 54 ODIs during a career that took in spells with Essex, Lancashire and Derbyshire, has taken over at Lord’s this month after agreeing a four-year deal back in September.

The 50-year-old’s coaching credentials are sound having done a fine job in difficult circumstances with the West Indies, the highlight being a memorable Test win against England at Headingley in 2017.

His task at Middlesex, though, is also tough after the county’s sudden fall from grace, with the 2016 title win followed by relegation the following year and a disappointing fourth-place finish in Division Two of the Championship last summer.

Last season’s campaign cost former coach Richard Scott his job in July but Law is aiming to inject a welcome shot of optimism – and steel – into the dressing room.

“I don’t know what’s gone before me being an outsider but I’ll bring fresh ideas,” he said. “Those who know me from my playing days will know what I was like as a player.