County Cricket News: Moxon and Gale leave Yorkshire amidst racism scandal
The kids are alright: Yorkshire director of cricket Andrew Gale takes five during fielding practice (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
The Ashes series has justifiably dominated much of the cricket news this week. However, there has been some county news of note for supporters.
Yorkshire Director of Cricket Martyn Moxon and Head Coach Andrew Gale have left their coaching posts at Yorkshire following the racism scandal. 14 others have left the club amid the racism scandal.
“Significant change is required at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and we are committed to taking whatever action is necessary to regain trust,” said Lord Patel, the club’s new chair.
“The decisions announced today were difficult to make but are in the best interests of the club.
“Without making important changes to how we are run, we cannot move on from the past to become a culture which is progressive and inclusive.”
Darren Gough has returned to the club as interim Managing Director, leaving his media role at TalkSport.
Robbie White has signed an extension at Middlesex until 2024. White, 26, has been part of the Middlesex set up since he was nine and made his first-class debut in 2018.
The right-handed batter has gone on to play 33 first-class games since, scoring two centuries, and also spent a period on loan at Essex.
White was Middlesex’s second highest scorer in the County Championship last season, with 765 runs.
Derbyshire have signed Pakistani international Shan Masood as all-format overseas for the entire 2022 campaign. Mickey Arthur brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Derbyshire. But, he also brings a contacts list as long as your arm – which he has certainly utilised with this signing.
Left-hander Masood has scored 1,378 runs in 25 Tests, including four centuries, but will play for Derbyshire in all formats of the game.
“Playing county cricket in England is something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Mickey approached me, I jumped at the chance,” the 32-year-old said.
“He’s perhaps been the greatest influence in my career and I’m looking forward to working with him again at Derbyshire.”
Masood played for Pakistan in last summer’s Test series in England and made 156 off 319 balls in the first innings of the opening match at Old Trafford.
Felix Organ has signed a new contract at Hampshire that will keep him at the AGEAS Bowl til the end of the 2022 season. The right-hand bat and right arm off break bowler made his first-class debut against Middlesex in September 2017 before signing his first professional deal with the county in 2018.
Hampshire release bowling coach Alfonso Thomas, legendary Warwickshire bowling coach Graeme Welsh will take up the post after leaving Warwickshire.
Former Somerset seamer Thomas, 44, was appointed in February 2019 alongside Jimmy Adams to assist first team manager Adrian Birrell.
“We’ve all enjoyed working with Alfonso and he’s had a positive impact on the playing group in his time here,” director of cricket Giles White said.
“I know the bowlers in particular have really benefited from his input.”
Cult-hero Roelof van der Merwe has signed a new deal at Somerset that will keep him at Taunton until the end of the 2023 season. The enigmatic all-rounder told the club website: “I’m really pleased to have extended my time at Somerset. The club holds a very special place in my heart.
“We have a great group of guys here and I genuinely feel that we are on the verge of something exceptional.”
Kent’s Jordan Cox and Somerset’s Tom Lammonby have signed up for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Australian Big Bash League.
Both players were playing grade cricket in Sydney for the winter and have teamed up with the Tasmanian outfit.
Middle order batsman Cox won man of the match in the Vitality Blast Final against Lammonby’s Somerset – taking one of the greatest catches ever seen in English cricket in the process.
Lammonby has impressed as a 360 degree batter who can mix traditional strokes with crafty sweeps and scoops.
The pair have stepped in whilst Yorkshire pair Harry Brook and Jordan Thompson. Batter Harry Brook will play for the England Lions v Australia A, whilst Thompson was deemed a close contact to somebody who tested positive – despite testing negative himself.
New Zealand opening batter Will Young has signed as an overseas player for Northamptonshire for the 2022 county season.
The club hope to have the 29-year-old available for “the majority” of their Championship and One-Day Cup games, subject to international commitments.
He made four Championship appearances for Durham in 2021.
“We feel like he’s a brilliant option for us,” said head coach John Sadler.
“A couple of senior batters have moved on this year and are no longer with us for various reasons so it was really important we filled that void of a senior batter to bat up the top of the order.”
Northamptonshire will play in the top flight of the Championship next summer following the decision to revert to a two-division structure, with promotion and relegation.