DEVON’S former England Under-19 keeper-batsman Amara Carr will be joining Middlesex on loan for the NatWest ECB Women’s County T20 competition

Carr, who has played for Devon since 2007, will continue to play 50-over cricket for Devon, whom she captains.

Middlesex hope to tap into Carr’s experience as they look to improve on last season’s third-place finish in Division One of the T20 competiton.

Carr, 23, has played more than 100 matches for Devon and toured the West Indies with the Club Cricket Conference.

She is returning to Lord’s where she was a member of the MCC Young Cricketers programme in 2015.

As well as representing Devon, Amara is also a member of the Western Storm Kia Super League squad and has represented England Academy and England U19 sides in the past.

One of Carr’s reasons for joining Middlesex is to play at a better level – Devon are in Division Three of the T20 competition – and press her claim for a regular place in the Western Storm side.

Danni Warren, Middlesex’s head of women’s cricket, emphasised the importance of the experience and competition Carr will bring to the squad.

“It is really exciting to be in a position to sign a player of Amara’s standard, and for her to see Middlesex as the best place to develop her cricket,” said Warren.

“We are very aware as a county that in order for us to best support our home-grown players we need to be able to attract quality players from outside to help guide and challenge them. Amara will do this and more.

“As well as her cricketing credentials, as a batter and a wicket keeper, she is also a person who will fit very well with our current group of players.

“Throughout our discussions Amara has bought in to our long-term vision and she has stressed her desire to contribute not only on the pitch but also off it, at training and by coaching in the wider Middlesex pathway.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming Amara to Middlesex.”

Carr said the opportunity to play for Middlesex was one she could not turn down.

“The chance to play against the best players across the country on a more regular basis poses a new challenge for me, and alongside training with Western Storm will continue to develop my skills as a cricketer in the shorter format.

“I hope to bring an element of experience to a talented, young squad and put in some good performances out in the middle.

Carr will be available for the London Cup match against Surrey on May 11 at Radlett and for all ECB T20 fixtures between June 1 and August 1.