Fast bowler Paul Hutchison is leaving Sussex a year before his contract expires to join Middlesex.

Hutchison is the second player to quit the new champions, disilusioned at his lack of first team opportunities.

Billy Taylor joined Hampshire earlier in the month on a three-year contract and now Hutchison has signed for two years at Lord's.

Sussex will step up their search for a new fast bowler with former Pakistan Test star Mohammad Akram, who took 20 wickets in four Championship appearances at the end of last season for Essex, expected to join the county when he become English qualified by residency later this year.

Hutchison made just six Championship appearances in two years after joining the county from Yorkshire. Shin splints restricted him to three games in 2002 but even after re-modelling his action last winter he found it hard to dislodge James Kirtley or Jason Lewry.

He said: "Sussex have been very good about it. They could have held me to my contract, but at this stage of my career I can't afford another season in the second XI and they understand that.

"I couldn't see the situation changing, even with Billy going as well.

"Quite a few counties were interested, but Middlesex coach John Emburey came across as very ambitious and I think they are a team which is going forward, they are a bit similar to what Sussex were when I came here.

"They are a good batting side, but the bowling is not so strong and hopefully that is where I can help them. I want to prove to myself that I can still perform at this level."

Hutchison joins his third county having helped his previous two lift the Championship.

"The last two years have been frustrating, but I wouldn't swap them for anything," he added. "It was frustrating that I didn't play more of a part in helping win the Championship, but I'm a better bowler than when I came to Sussex."

Skipper Chris Adams said: "Hutch made a dramatic improvement in the second half of last season, but we couldn't guarantee him anything and he feels he needs more Championship cricket.

"I'm delighted that he's got a two-year contract and he goes with our best wishes. I hope he makes a name for himself at Middlesex."

Hutchison, 27, marries girlfriend Emma in Leeds today before flying to New Zealand to play club cricket in Wellington during the winter.