New Middlesex coach lays down Law but claims that he’s less ‘abrasive’ than in past

Stuart Law knows how those who played with and against him in his 15 seasons of county cricket will remember him.

“Very abrasive,” says Middlesex’s new coach of his playing personality. He was damn good, too. Good enough to make 79 first-class centuries, even if he only played one Test (making 54 not out) and 54 ODIs.

Like Surrey’s title-winning coach Michael di Venuto, he was of a generation of Aussie batsmen who churned out centuries here and there but barely played international cricket due to the extraordinary era of Australian dominance.

As a result, men such as Law and Di Venuto became fixtures on the county circuit. Law “fell in love with county cricket” 23 years ago in his first season with Essex, for whom he played until 2001. The seven seasons after that were with Lancashire, before a brief stint with Derbyshire.

After calling time on his playing career, Law has been an itinerant coach and he is keen to show he has changed. “I’m pretty different, from a player to coach,” says Law, who will leave his job as West Indies head coach to take up his role at Lord’s in January.

“I was very tough then, sometimes that’s just what I needed to do to get myself up for the contest. As a coach, I’m very laid back.”

Law previously worked with Queensland, Australia and Bangladesh. Given his intimate understanding of the county game, it is a surprise he has not come back sooner but there are a few reasons — some personal, some professional.

Law left a job he was enjoying with the Windies, having helped them qualify for next year’s World Cup.

“I hate keeping secrets, it changes me as a person, so I’m happy the news is out there,” he says.

“It was tough news to share. We started making strides forward. By no means did I want to leave before the World Cup but an opportunity was presented that was too good to say no to.”

There was the security of a four-year deal, a settled life and the pull of living closer to his family. His son has recently enrolled at the Yorkshire Cricket College based at Headingley, so the family have come over to Leeds. “If you think two hours is an inconvenience, try the 45 hours I was trudging from the Caribbean to Australia to see them,” he says.

There was also the lure of Lord’s and the chance to get back involved with county cricket. Two years after winning the title, Middlesex this summer failed to win promotion back to Division One at the first opportunity, while also falling flat in both white-ball competitions.

“There’s a bit of work to be done but I find it enjoyable coming in when there’s only one way to go — and that’s up,” he says.

In Nick Gubbins, Stevie Eskinazi and Max Holden, Middlesex possess young batsmen of class, while the seam attack — especially when Toby Roland-Jones returns from injury next season — is deep and classy.

“The players who won the Championship are still there,” says Law. “There’s no reason why they can’t drag themselves out of the Second Division and compete very well in Division One.

“I need to get them motivated and to understand they are better than they’ve been over the last two years.”