Tim Murtagh admits to being something of a bowling addict - but even he would settle for Middlesex making more runs so he bowls a few less overs.

Injuries to Alan Richardson and Chris Silverwood have meant Murtagh has been an ever-present in the Crusaders' attack this season.

And with Middlesex only passing 400 once in the Championship all season, it seems no sooner has he finished one bowling stint, he's marking out his run again with too few runs to defend.

The 27-year-old former Surrey paceman is loath to complain, having crossed the Thames in 2007 in search of regular cricket.

And he's shouldered the burden well, with 55 Championship wickets at an average of 26 this season.

But he admits to a few choice mumblings under his breath this year when the Middlesex top six have failed to deliver.

"I've played every game this season. But that's why I came to Middlesex, so I can't complain," said Murtagh.

"But if I'm honest, there have been a couple of times this year when I've thought 'oh no, I've got to pull my boots back on and bowl another 20 overs today'.

"We haven't batted as well or for as long as we would have liked, so there's been a few times when I've walked out cursing the batsman.

"But then again, it's given me more opportunities to take wickets."

There's no sign of a respite either, with two Pro40 and two Championship matches still to play.

Murtagh will then scarcely have time to draw breath before jetting off to Antigua for the Stanford Super Series at the end of October.

He admits he is feeling a few aches and pains, but nothing a man who has spent the last two off-seasons bowling in Aussie club cricket can't handle.

"I love bowling, and I feel the more I bowl the better rhythm I get into, and the better the ball comes out," he said.

"The body is creaking a bit at the moment, but I'm managing to get through."

Murtagh will need to produce some magic in tonight's Pro40 clash with Sussex at Hove, a game they must now win to keep alive hopes of avoiding relegation.

This follows another batting collapse in the defeat to Notts on Sunday, a result which leaves Middlesex propping up the table.

Meanwhile, Middlesex have re-signed young star Dawid Malan on a long-term contract, plus Murali Kartik, for next season.