Vilas appointed interim Middlesex coach

Dane Vilas will take charge of Middlesex for the first time at Wantage Road on Sunday

Middlesex have appointed former Lancashire captain Dane Vilas as interim coach for the rest of the season.

The 40-year-old South African replaces Richard Johnson, who left this week after a disappointing start to the season in both red and white-ball formats.

Vilas watched his new side register their first T20 Blast win at Lord's in exactly three years on Thursday, as Middlesex beat Essex by one run off the final ball.

He will take charge after Friday night's London derby in the Blast against Surrey at The Kia Oval, in time for Sunday's County Championship Division Two trip to Northamptonshire.

Vilas scored more than 10,000 first-class runs in an 18-year career, making 25 centuries, and played six Tests for South Africa.

He spent the final seven years of his career with Lancashire, captaining the Red Rose for four seasons and eventually retiring in 2023.

Middlesex's director of cricket, Alan Coleman, told the club website: "Dane has a wealth of experience to offer our squad, and I believe that we will all benefit from his presence and leadership across the rest of this season.

"Though Dane is still early in his coaching career, having only finished playing for Lancashire in 2023, I am confident that his leadership presence, competitive edge and experience of all formats, including franchise cricket, will have a huge impact on our squad."

Vilas skippered Lancashire to promotion to Division One of the County Championship in his first season and two runners-up finishes in the top flight during his four years in the role.

"It is the leadership qualities that were evident when he captained Lancashire that drew me towards Dane," added Coleman.

"The teams that he has led played hard, committed, never-say-die cricket and I believe that is a style that will resonate well with our players, staff group and members."

Vilas, who will be supported by Rory Coutts, Tim Murtagh and Ian Salisbury, said: "It's an absolute honour to be here. Lord's is such a special place and I'm looking forward to getting started with the squad.

"The potential is endless for the group and I'll be keen to harness that and help grow their careers."