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Post by Admin on Oct 14, 2024 15:01:11 GMT
ESSEX
Essex batter Feroze Khushi will leave the club at the end of the month when his contract expires.
The 25-year-old has scored 1,922 runs in 65 matches across all formats of the game since his debut in 2020.
"It’s always a shame when you have to part company with a player, but it is a good opportunity for Feroze to have a fresh start elsewhere," said cricket committee chair Jason Gallian.
Essex were deducted 12 points last month after Khushi used an over-sized bat during a County Championship game against Nottinghamshire in April.
A product of the Essex academy, he made his highest first-class score of 164 against Kent in 2022.
He also made 107 against Durham and has three centuries to his name in the 50-over One-Day Cup.
GLAMORGAN
All-rounder Andy Gorvin has signed a new two-year deal to keep him at Glamorgan until 2026.
Right-arm seamer Gorvin is the seventh player to sign a fresh contract with the Welsh county since the end of their 2024 campaign.
He was the joint leading wicket taker in last season's One Day Cup competition with 19, also scoring vital runs as Glamorgan went on to win the trophy.
The 27-year-old, who also completed a maiden five-wicket haul in the County Championship, was given the Most Improved Player of the Season award for 2024 by the Balconiers supporters' group.
"I’m delighted to sign an extension with the club," said Gorvin.
"I’ve loved every minute of my time at Glamorgan so far and look forward to building on the work we’ve put in this year to press on for promotion and beyond.
“Hopefully I can impact more games in the future."
He made his first-class debut for the club in 2022 playing against Leicestershire at Sophia Gardens, after making his club debut in the Royal London Cup-winning side of 2021.
Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace said: “Andrew has had an excellent season breaking into the team in all formats. He’s a highly popular member of the squad, hard working and diligent and we’re delighted that he’ll be with us for the next two years.”
Batter Colin Ingram, wicketkeeper-batter Chris Cooke, all-rounder Dan Douthwaite and bowler Jamie McIlroy have also all signed two-year extensions with Glamorgan, while seamer Timm van der Gugten has agreed a fresh three-year deal.
The county have also signed Ned Leonard on a two-year contract from Somerset after the seam-bowling all-rounder spent the last two months of the summer on loan at Sophia Gardens.
SOMERSET
Australia seamer Riley Meredith will return to Somerset for the 2025 T20 Blast campaign.
The 28-year-old impressed this year at Taunton, earning him an Australia recall.
He took 14 wickets at an average of 22.78 as Somerset reached the final of the T20 Blast while he also claimed six wickets in the One-Day Cup.
Somerset say dependant on the 2025 domestic structure, Meredith could also feature in some 50-over and County Championship matches next season.
"We were all extremely impressed with how Riley performed on the field and by how he seamlessly he fitted into the group," Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry told the club website.
“He showed that he is a world class performer, and he brought something a little different to our already outstanding attack.
"He bowled with genuine pace and aggression and will once again be a valuable addition to our squad next summer.”
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Post by Admin on Oct 16, 2024 5:53:28 GMT
ESSEX
Essex batter Charlie Allison has signed a new contract to stay with the club until the end of the 2026 season.
The 19-year-old impressed with the bat during the One-Day Cup and T20 Blast last season.
The England Under-19 international made three appearances in the 2024 50-over competition and a further seven with Essex Eagles during their T20 Blast campaign.
"It’s a really proud moment for me to sign my first full contract with Essex," said, external Allison.
"I’ve been at this club since I was eight years old, so to be able to carry on doing it at this level means a huge amount."
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Post by Admin on Oct 18, 2024 5:38:59 GMT
KENT
Opening batter Ben Compton has signed a one-year contract extension with Kent.
The 30-year-old scored 833 runs at an average of 32.03 as the club were relegated from County Championship Division One last season.
Grandson of England great Denis Compton, he began his Kent career with centuries in his first three first-class innings.
"I'm really pleased to be staying at Kent for the foreseeable future," Compton told the club website., external
"I think I can speak for the group in saying that we are all very hungry and determined to bounce back after a very difficult season for the club as a whole.
"This attitude will be key and I hope to do my part in putting in strong performances for Kent in 2025."
Left-hand batter Compton began his career at Nottinghamshire before joining Kent for the 2022 season. He has also represented Mountaineers in Zimbabwe.
He has scored a total of 4,524 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 43.50, as well as holding a List A average of 45.72 after making 1,143 runs in 25 innings.
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Post by Admin on Oct 18, 2024 15:22:32 GMT
KENT
Seam bowler Matt Quinn has signed a one-year contract extension with Kent for the 2025 season.
The 31-year-old Kiwi missed most of the 2024 season with a back injury but was fit enough to make the squad for Kent's final County Championship match at Durham.
Quinn moved to Canterbury from Essex in 2021 on loan before securing a permanent move the following year.
He has made 51 appearances across all formats for Kent, taking 93 wickets.
"I'm really pleased to be staying at Kent – I love it here," he told the club's website., external
"Kent is an ambitious club on and off the field and despite our troubles this year, we're eager to perform well in all formats in 2025 and beyond that, too."
Kent will play in County Championship Division Two next year following their relegation from the top tier this season.
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Post by Admin on Oct 24, 2024 17:35:16 GMT
LEICESTERSHIRE
Seam bowler Roman Walker has signed a new one-year deal with Leicestershire.
The 24-year-old will remain with the Foxes for a fourth campaign, having moved to the Uptonsteel County Ground from Glamorgan in July 2021.
Walker - who was signed by Warwickshire on an emergency loan in September, but failed to feature for the Bears - has taken 31 wickets across all formats for Leicestershire.
He has featured more often for the East Midlands club's second XI side, and has claimed 90 wickets for them at that level.
"There’s a lot of hard work to come, but I’m fully focussed on putting in good performances consistently and showing I’m worth the time the club has invested in me," Walker told the club website.
KENT
Kent fast bowler Nathan Gilchrist has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2025 season.
The 24-year-old has taken 126 wickets across all formats since making his debut for the county in 2020.
Gilchrist made 12 appearances for Kent as they were relegated from County Championship Division One this year, taking 19 wickets at an average of 42.68.
"I'm delighted to extend my Kent contract at a big time in both my career and for the club," he said.
"We didn't perform at our best in 2024 but 2025 is a fresh start and our core group is still young and talented - we want to get back to the top level as soon as we can."
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Post by John W on Oct 25, 2024 9:02:30 GMT
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Post by Admin on Oct 25, 2024 16:08:15 GMT
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Gloucestershire batter Ben Charlesworth has signed a two-year contract extension.
The 23-year-old, who has scored more than 3,000 runs in 92 appearances, will stay with the club until the end of the 2026 season.
The top-order batter helped Gloucestershire win their maiden T20 Blast title this year as he scored 1,084 runs across all formats of the game.
In 2024 his 723 runs from 11 innings at an average of 48.20 was his best first-class season to date as he scored a career-best 210 against Leicestershire.
"He will be a big part of our future especially after scoring his maiden hundred swiftly followed by his maiden double century in the Championship this season," Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne told the club website, external.
“Ben has the tremendous ability to impact games in the white ball format with a special hitting ability that makes him a versatile batter that every team needs.
“I expect Ben will also contribute with the ball as we go forward and it just highlights what a fabulous cricketer he is."
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Northamptonshire have appointed former Australia batter Darren Lehmann as their head coach on a two-year contract.
The 54-year-old replaces John Sadler, who left the club on 6 September following defeat by Somerset in the T20 Blast quarter-finals.
Lehmann was in charge of of Australia's national side from 2013 to 2018 and has also had coaching spells in The Hundred and Indian Premier League.
"Northamptonshire has a great history in our game and I am looking forward to meeting the players and learning about the club and its past, and create our own history over the coming months and years," Lehmann said.
"The selling point for me is a group that wants to get better and follow their, and the club's, dreams, create memories and play at the highest level possible.
"I will encourage this on and off the field, as well as [an] open-door policy. I'm sure we will have success and fun along the way."
As a player, Lehmann appeared in 27 Tests, hit the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup final and scored more than 1,400 runs to help Yorkshire win the County Championship in 2001, their first title for 33 years.
Moving into coaching, he guided Deccan Chargers to the IPL title in 2009 and also had domestic success at home - with Queensland in the Sheffield Shield and Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash.
He was appointed by Australia in 2013 and helped them win two Ashes series against England and the 2015 World Cup but resigned as head coach in March 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, which led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all serving bans.
Lehmann coached Northern Superchargers in the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021 but did not return the following year, citing Covid-19 and potential quarantining and travel restrictions as factors for his decision to step down.
Australia batter Darren Lehmann acknowledges applause after completing a Test century against Bangladesh in Darwin in 2003
Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,
Darren Lehmann scored five Test hundreds and 10 fifties for Australia
Northamptonshire were relegated to Division Two of the County Championship in 2023 and finished fourth this summer, but won only two of their 14 games.
Their most recent trophy came in 2016 when they won the T20 Blast for a second time.
"I am delighted we have been able to secure a new head coach with the history, reputation, skills and knowledge that Darren possesses," said Northants chief executive Ray Payne.
"It is a real marker in the ground and demonstrates, once again, the club's desire to achieve to its highest level on the field.
"From our first conversation with Darren it was clear to see his passion and excitement for the opportunity and his coaching philosophy is something that aligns well with the goals of the club."
For the first time since 2003 – when Kepler Wessels replaced Bob Carter – Northamptonshire have not appointed their head coach from within the existing coaching staff.
Many supporters will applaud the ambition of bringing in a man with a proven track record, as both player and coach, at international level.
The club’s pre-season targets ahead of the 2024 campaign will be much the same when Lehmann arrives at Wantage Road next February – securing Championship promotion and taking the side deep into the two white-ball competitions.
Unsurprisingly, this announcement accentuates the positive, but the county faithful, who are not always the most patient bunch, will expect tangible signs of progress from April.
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Post by Admin on Oct 29, 2024 6:49:57 GMT
Nobody likes County Cricket
There were almost 30 million hits last summer for the
@bbcsport
audio commentary/live text of County Cricket.
That doesn’t include those listening on 5 Sports Extra or accessing BBC commentary through County streams.
Most popular day was when
@jimmy9
took 7/35.
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Post by Admin on Nov 1, 2024 18:34:26 GMT
WORCESTERSHIRE
Worcestershire have parted company with Josh Cobb after one season on a white-ball contract at New Road.
The Pears have also opted not to offer youngster Olly Cox a new contract.
Former Leicestershire and Northamptonshire all-rounder Cobb, 34, son of former Foxes player Russell Cobb, signed for Worcestershire in January.
Cobb was twice a winner of the T20, first with Leicestershire in 2011, then as man of the match in the final when Northants won in 2016.
He scored 271 runs at an average of 22.58 in 12 T20 Blast matches in 2024, hitting one half-century against Lancashire as Worcestershire finished second bottom of the North Group.
His one List A appearance also came against Lancashire in the One-Day Cup in August, having been sidelined by illness.
Cox, 20, signed his first rookie contract in 2023, when he hit 63 on his senior debut in a T20 match against the New Zealand touring side - and then had it extended for a further year- but his only senior appearance in 2024 was in the One-Day Cup warm-up fixture with Wales.
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Post by Admin on Nov 1, 2024 18:35:19 GMT
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Nottinghamshire batting prospect Freddie McCann has signed a contract extension to run until the end of the 2027 season.
The 19-year-old made his first-class debut this summer and made 358 runs in five County Championship appearances, including two centuries.
He also played eight games in the 50-over One-Day Cup and scored 48 off 32 balls against Yorkshire at Headingley in his sole T20 Blast innings.
"I worked hard through the winter to soak up as much information as I could, so that when I got my chance I could make it count, and I feel as if I did that," he said.
"Making contributions to the team I’ve grown up supporting and playing for is really special, and I’m pleased that I’ll be able to do that for a while yet."
McCann also bowls off-spin but has only taken three wickets in all formats so far.
"It’s been great to watch him grow so quickly as a player,” said head coach Peter Moores.
“His performances have been really impressive - he’s shown he can handle pressure in some crucial innings, especially in the County Championship.
“He is calm and determined, with a maturity beyond his years."
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Post by slipstream on Nov 5, 2024 12:11:21 GMT
Yorkshire have signed Jack White
Yorkshire have signed pace bowler Jack White on a two-year contract from Northamptonshire from the start of the 2025 season
The 32-year-old took 149 wickets for Northamptonshire across all formats, including 114 in first-class cricket, after making his debut in 2020.
White, who claimed 50 wickets during a standout 2023 County Championship campaign, moves to Yorkshire having negotiated an early release from his contract.
"I'm incredibly honoured and extremely excited to begin this new chapter with Yorkshire," he said.
"Headingley is a special place to play, and having had discussions with the coach and the leaders of the club I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my game and playing my part in achieving success for Yorkshire."
White took 30 List A and five T20 wickets during his time at Wantage Road, while his career-best first-class figures came against Essex in 2022 when he took 6-38.
He also won the club's players' player of the year award during his time with Northamptonshire
"While it is a real shame that Jack has decided to move elsewhere, everyone would like to thank him for his efforts in a Northamptonshire shirt and we wish him the best moving forward," Northamptonshire chief executive Ray Payne said.
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Post by oldhamexile on Nov 5, 2024 14:22:33 GMT
Yorkshire have signed Jack WhiteYorkshire have signed pace bowler Jack White on a two-year contract from Northamptonshire from the start of the 2025 season The 32-year-old took 149 wickets for Northamptonshire across all formats, including 114 in first-class cricket, after making his debut in 2020. White, who claimed 50 wickets during a standout 2023 County Championship campaign, moves to Yorkshire having negotiated an early release from his contract. "I'm incredibly honoured and extremely excited to begin this new chapter with Yorkshire," he said. "Headingley is a special place to play, and having had discussions with the coach and the leaders of the club I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my game and playing my part in achieving success for Yorkshire." White took 30 List A and five T20 wickets during his time at Wantage Road, while his career-best first-class figures came against Essex in 2022 when he took 6-38. He also won the club's players' player of the year award during his time with Northamptonshire "While it is a real shame that Jack has decided to move elsewhere, everyone would like to thank him for his efforts in a Northamptonshire shirt and we wish him the best moving forward," Northamptonshire chief executive Ray Payne said. Good bowler, through gritted teeth that's a really good signing for them. |
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Post by Admin on Nov 5, 2024 16:57:40 GMT
MIDDLESEX
Middlesex have signed former Gloucestershire all-rounder Zafar Gohar on a two-year contract.
The 29-year-old was not offered a new deal by Gloucestershire following a season in which he was hampered by a groin injury.
He took 118 County Championship wickets for the club with his left-arm spin, having made his debut in 2021, and also hit eight half-centuries with the bat.
"Adding an international quality spinner to our line-up will strengthen us and add a greater threat on all types of surfaces," said Middlesex managing director Alan Coleman.
"Adding a senior bowler to our white-ball teams will also help the side in those situations where we've lacked some experience in the shorter formats in recent years."
Gohar took 2-54 for Pakistan against England in a one-day international in Sharjah in 2015.
He played his one and only Test match in New Zealand six years later when he had figures of 0-159 in an innings defeat.
"I'm thrilled to be joining Middlesex and making Lord's my home ground for the next two years," he said.
"It's a club steeped in history and to be a part of this next chapter is hugely exciting."
Middlesex last won a trophy in 2008 and this summer missed out on promotion in the County Championship as they finished third in Division Two, 21 points adrift of second-placed Yorkshire.
ESSEX
Essex batter Nick Browne and pace bowler Jamal Richards have signed new one-year deal for the 2025 county season.
Left-hander Browne has scored almost 9,000 runs in all formats, including 20 first-class centuries - four of them doubles.
He only played six County Championship games in 2024, with a best score of 184, as well as seven in the One-Day Cup.
Richards, 20, was Essex's leading wicket-taker in the 50-over competition with 15 at an average of 24.86.
Cricket committee chair Jason Gallian said Richards' performances in 2024 represented "a huge stride forward in his development".
Browne was born in the county in Leytonstone and was a member of the team which won the championship in 2017 and 2019 and the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020.
The latter was their most recent trophy success and this summer they finished fourth in Championship Division One after two wins and a draw in their final three games of the season.
"I’m still as hungry as ever for runs, and I’m keen to make my Testimonial Year one to remember on the field too," said Browne.
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Post by Admin on Nov 12, 2024 7:57:23 GMT
SURREY
Off-spinner Amar Virdi has left Surrey after 15 years at the club.
The 26-year-old played 40 first-class games for the county after making his debut in 2017.
His last first-class appearance for Surrey was in 2021 and he spent time on loan at Somerset in 2022 and Worcestershire this year.
Virdi took 39 wickets in the 2018 season as Surrey won the County Championship.
"Having been a part of the club since I was 11 years old, I will look back on my time at Surrey with great fondness and I have some incredible memories of playing for the club," he told Surrey's website., external
"Winning the 2018 County Championship was a personal highlight and it was incredible to be part of the team that brought success back to the club after many years.
"Having had a tough couple of years at Surrey with selection and pitches, I still believe I have a huge amount to offer the game as shown in my recent loan stint at Worcestershire and I'm looking forward to whatever the next step is in my playing career."
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Post by oldhamexile on Nov 12, 2024 9:12:15 GMT
SURREYOff-spinner Amar Virdi has left Surrey after 15 years at the club. The 26-year-old played 40 first-class games for the county after making his debut in 2017. His last first-class appearance for Surrey was in 2021 and he spent time on loan at Somerset in 2022 and Worcestershire this year. Virdi took 39 wickets in the 2018 season as Surrey won the County Championship. "Having been a part of the club since I was 11 years old, I will look back on my time at Surrey with great fondness and I have some incredible memories of playing for the club," he told Surrey's website., external "Winning the 2018 County Championship was a personal highlight and it was incredible to be part of the team that brought success back to the club after many years. "Having had a tough couple of years at Surrey with selection and pitches, I still believe I have a huge amount to offer the game as shown in my recent loan stint at Worcestershire and I'm looking forward to whatever the next step is in my playing career." I've seen Virdi bowl many times for Surrey although not so much in recent years as he's struggled for first team appearances, at least in part because Surrey have changed their pitches and strategy. But at his pomp in 18/19 he looked every inch a future England player. I remember one game against Notts at TB where he compared very favourably with the great Ashwin, playing for Notts (although I'm not sure Ashwin is ever running at more than 60% in a championship game). It will be a great shame if he doesn't find another county, and another indication of how our dysfunctional championship season disadvantages the skills of the spin bowler. |
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