Olly Stone Joins Middlesex on Loan in Push for Ashes Selection

England fast bowler Olly Stone has joined Middlesex on loan from Nottinghamshire in a late bid to boost his chances of earning a spot in England’s squad for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

Stone, 31, has endured another injury-hit season, with knee surgery in April ruling him out of England’s entire home Test summer. However, having returned to action in recent weeks, he has now taken the next step in his red-ball comeback by signing a short-term loan deal with Middlesex for the final rounds of the County Championship.

He is set to make his debut for Middlesex against Derbyshire at Lord’s on Monday.

A veteran of five Tests, in which he has taken 17 wickets at an average of 23.52, Stone was part of England’s Test squads during their 2024 winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. While he remains an outside bet for the Ashes squad, his chances have been boosted by Jamie Overton’s recent decision to step away from red-ball cricket, opening the door for a potential back-up fast-bowling slot.

"This is a great opportunity for Olly to get some competitive overs under his belt with the red ball for the first time since the back end of last summer," said Peter Moores, head coach at Nottinghamshire. "A fit and firing Olly Stone is an asset for any side, and we’re sure he’ll be well served by this short spell at Middlesex."

Stone has featured in six white-ball matches since completing his rehabilitation — four for Nottinghamshire in the T20 Blast and two for London Spirit in The Hundred — but this will mark his first red-ball outing of the season.

England selectors are closely monitoring fast-bowling options ahead of the Ashes. Matthew Potts has been withdrawn from the T20I series in Ireland to focus on red-ball cricket, while Sonny Baker’s hopes have faded following an expensive ODI debut. Stone, if he can prove his fitness and form, may emerge as a late bolter.

Middlesex’s director of cricket, Alan Coleman, welcomed the move, highlighting both Stone’s quality and the timing of his arrival.

“As we reach the end of the season, the rigours inevitably take their toll on the fast-bowling unit,” said Coleman. “To be able to bring someone in of Olly’s proven international quality is a huge bonus for us. He’ll not only add depth and experience but will be a great mentor for our younger bowlers as we look to finish the season strong.”

Stone’s central contract with the ECB expires at the end of the current season, adding further weight to his final appearances of the summer as he looks to earn both an Ashes ticket and a new deal.