Blewett, who would have played for Middlesex last summer if he had not been selected for the Ashes tour, decided he would be risking his international career by taking on a full county season after a recent knee scan.

Bob Gale, Middlesex's cricket chairman, said the county had been ``very keen'' to sign him. ``Things have changed now that he is in the Australian team. There's no point in pressing for his services when he says he's unable to come over.''

Jacques Kallis proved a successful replacement for Blewett last summer, but he is certain to be required for South Africa for their tour next year.

With Lord's as their home ground, Middlesex should have no difficulty attracting another quality player, probably an Australian first choice such as Matthew Elliott or Michael Slater.

Middlesex will have to play as many as four home championship matches away from Lord's in 1999 and the following year owing to use during the World Cup and to a pitch relaying programme.

Shenley Cricket Centre, a beautifully appointed oval on the edge of London in Hertfordshire, is being developed as the MCC's second ground and its manager, Eric Russell, could be asked to host Championship games for his old county.

Chris Read, the Devon and England Under-19 wicketkeeper selected for the England A tour this winter, has decided against starting a sports science degree course at Bath University. This suggests he will not be signing a contract at Gloucestershire, his sponsors, where he would be understudy to Jack Russell.