Middlesex sign Harry Duke through 2028 after cup-winning loan spell

Middlesex have turned Harry Duke's loan spell into a permanent move from Yorkshire, signing the wicketkeeper to a contract running through the end of 2028. BBC Sport reported the agreement on Friday, five days after Duke helped Middlesex win the One-Day Cup final against Leicestershire at Trent Bridge.

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The move follows two spells with Middlesex during the season. West London Sport reported that Duke first appeared for the county against Lancashire in May, replacing the injured Joe Cracknell on the second day, before playing against Derbyshire at Lord's the following week. He returned on loan for the rest of the campaign in September, again providing cover for Cracknell.

That September return was prompted by a finger injury expected to keep Cracknell out for several weeks, according to West London Sport. At the time, director of cricket Alan Coleman praised Duke's wicketkeeping record in first-class cricket. Duke said he had enjoyed his earlier stay and wanted to contribute during the closing part of the season.

His subsequent contributions included a career-best unbeaten 100 against Durham in the County Championship, followed by 94 against Gloucestershire, BBC Sport reported. The two innings preceded his half-century in the cup final, giving Middlesex runs from their loan wicketkeeper in both first-class and one-day cricket before the permanent deal was announced.

In the final, Duke scored 55 and shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 135 with Ryan Higgins, according to the ECB Reporters' Network account published by Middlesex. The pair helped their side recover from 71 for five to an eventual 231 all out. Higgins reached his first List A century, while both batters were making their first appearances for Middlesex in that season's competition.

Middlesex then dismissed Leicestershire for 200 to win by 31 runs, despite Nick Kelly's 103. The victory ended the county's 34-year wait for a List A trophy. Duke's permanent switch now follows a loan stint that brought both substantial Championship innings and a direct contribution to that long-awaited cup success.