Tim Murtagh: Middlesex bowler benefits from experience

Middlesex bowler Tim Murtagh says he is reaping the rewards of his experience as he enjoys another successful year in the County Championship.

The 32-year-old Irishman has taken 57 wickets in the four-day format this season at an average of 20.17.

He told BBC London 94.9: "I feel I have improved again. I have worked on things, especially in one-day cricket.

"I feel I am starting to know my game a lot better now than I did probably four or five years ago."

He added: "When it comes to working batters out that experience definitely does help.

"I am starting to know more about my action and actual plans that are helping me to take wickets and help the team to do better.

"I am still enjoying my cricket and the chance to play for Ireland this year has added a bit to my game and given me extra motivation and something to aim towards, with World Cups and big games coming up."

After a third-placed finished last year, Middlesex are on course for another top-half finish this season and Murtagh hopes they can continue improving.

"We are happy to be up at the top end of the table," he said.

"If a couple of things had gone our way and we had played a bit better at times and not let things slip we could be right up there.

"We are improving and hopefully we can finish strong and take that onto next year. Everyone is working hard and we are well led.

"Hopefully that upward curve will keep going and as a squad we can really start to challenge for things."