Jaik takes step back in bid to rejoin elite
FORMER Essex batsman Jaik Mickleburgh views signing for Suffolk as the potential springboard for a return to the first-class cricket circuit.
Mickleburgh has agreed to play for the Minor County, after failing to secure a contract elsewhere following his release from Essex at the end of last season.
The 26-year-old, who has ten first-class centuries and 21 half-centuries to his name, will add some much-needed experience to Suffolk’s batting during their 2017 campaign.
Mickleburgh is aiming to attract the attentions of first-class counties by scoring heavily for Suffolk in the Unicorns Championship and Copdock & Old Ipswichian in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League this season.
The Norwich-born batsman will be the club’s 1st XI coach, and also coach some of the club’s juniors as well as coaching at Ipswich School.
Mickleburgh, a member of last season’s Essex squad that won promotion, said: “It was disappointing to be released, but my performances were a little bit inconsistent which led to that happening.
“But we won the league which was a massive achievement and I wish the lads the best of luck in Division One this season.
“I held talks with a few counties, but no-one decided to sign me. I am still hungry to play first-class cricket and I am going back to playing club cricket for Copdock, who have been very good to me.
“I spoke to a few of the players there and also to Suffolk coach Andy Northcote about playing for Suffolk and it was a no-brainer for me.”
Mickleburgh, who represented Norfolk before joining Essex and making his first-class debut in 2008, continued: “I wasn’t approached by Norfolk, where I grew up playing age group cricket and who were very good to me as they gave me a stepping-stone into the first-class game.
“At this point in time Suffolk needed a pro and I am available and in the area, so it suits both parties.
“I am very keen to get stuck in and the three-day games give me an opportunity to score big runs, and Suffolk have a young side so it will be good to help the younger players develop as well.”