England's Olly Stone joins Middlesex on short-term loan ahead Ashes

England pace bowler Olly Stone has joined Middlesex on a short-term loan from Nottinghamshire to gain first-class cricket experience ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. Stone, who has played five Tests for England and taken 17 wickets at an average of 23.52, missed the early part of the season due to knee surgery but has recently played limited-overs cricket. With his England central contract expiring at the end of the season, this loan move provides him a chance to regain form and fitness by playing red-ball cricket after a long injury layoff. Middlesex's director of cricket, Alan Coleman, and Nottinghamshire's head coach, Peter Moores, both highlighted Stone's quality and experience and the benefits of freshening up their fast-bowling units for the County Championship run-in. Stone is seen as an outside bet for the Ashes squad, potentially competing for a back-up fast bowler spot given recent changes in England's pace bowling options. He is expected to make his Middlesex debut against Derbyshire at Lord's in early September.