MIDDLESEX’s slow bowlers could be forgiven for not relishing the prospect of the batsman’s paradise that is Uxbridge next week.

But this year Tom Smith is desperate to be at the front of the queue to turn his arm over against Sussex.

The Gatting Way ground has been a graveyard for the county’s spinners since the Panthers resumed Championship fixtures there in 2008 - just 11 wickets have cost more than 83 runs apiece.

You have to go back to 1995 for the last spin-induced win for Middlesex when Phil Tufnell took 10 in the one-run victory over Leicestershire.

But none of that matters to Smith - like Tufnell a member of the slow left-armer’s union - who just wants an opportunity to put one over on his former team-mates.

Smith left Hove at the end of last season when the signing of England spinner Monty Panesar pushed him further down the slow-bowling pecking order.

And while he bears no grudge with his former employers he admits there’s extra bite in games against the Sharks.

He said: "There’s a bit more riding on this game than some others for me.

"I’ve really looked forward to the games when we’ve played Sussex this year. I’m still great friends with them but at the same time I love beating them.

"I know the wicket isn’t likely to be too spinner friendly, but it’s a great opportunity for me to play Sussex again. So if I keep my spot I’ll be more than happy to be playing."

Smith played in Middlesex’s Championship win at Hove earlier in the season when the then skipper Shaun Udal was absent ill.

However he suffered a tough Twenty/20 baptism against the Sharks at Lord’s when his two overs cost 22.

He lost his place temporarily but got another call up during Adam Gilchrist’s brief reign as captain and blossomed with a strong T20 performance against Glamorgan at Richmond (4-23).

Spin rival Udal then suffered a hand injury and Smith responded superbly with a match-winning 5-24 against Kent at Lord’s and followed up with 3-16 against Surrey at the Oval.

He admits he’s revelling in being in the thick of the action.

He added: "Since I’ve come back in and played the last few games as a sole spinner, I’ve loved the fact I’ve not been a passenger in the team.

"I’ve loved the extra responsibility and I think it’s seen me flourish."

Middlesex continue their T20 campaign against Hampshire at the Rosebowl tonight (Friday) – a game they must win to keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

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