‘ Privileged’ Headingley prospect Barnes joins the Foxes

YORKSHIRE pace bowler Ed Barnes has signed for Leicestershire on a three- year deal.

The York- born 22- year- old did not play a first- team match for his native county, but he was a regular at second- team level.

Barnes, who played a handful of games for England Under- 19s in 2016 alongside current Test stars Ollie Pope and Dom Bess, hopes that the move will lead to regular cricket.

“It’s been a great privilege to play for Yorkshire, the county that I have supported since I was young, but I feel this is too good an opportunity to turn down,” he said.

“I would like to thank all the coaches and support staff for their help through the years.

“It is really pleasing to sign for Leicestershire. We had been in talks for a few weeks from when I first got approached by Nico ( head coach Paul Nixon) and Sean ( Jarvis, the Leicestershire chief executive).

“I’m just really happy to get it done and I am really looking forward to the summer and to get cracking.”

Barnes, who came up through the Yorkshire age- group system and also represented the Yorkshire Academy, spent last summer on loan at Derbyshire, making his first- class and T20 debuts.

He took five wickets in six games – including 2- 27 in a T20 fixture against Lancashire that was played at Emerald Headingley due to the logistical challenges caused by coronavirus.

Barnes, whom Yorkshire regarded as a bowler who bats, found opportunities difficult to come by at Headingley.

Martyn Moxon, the Yorkshire director of cricket, said: “As we are unable to guarantee Eddie first XI opportunities, it is in his best interests to take up this offer from Leicestershire.

“We wish him every success for the future.”

Paul Nixon commented: “Ed is a talented young bowler as we saw from the fixture against Derbyshire at Grace Road last season.

“He is a welcome addition to our squad and we’re all excited to see the competition that he brings to the bowling unit.”

Barnes is the third young player to join Leicestershire in recent weeks after batsmen Rishi Patel made the switch from Essex and Scott Steel from Durham.

Lancashire have appointed British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson as their new chairman.

Anson replaces acting chairman Les Platts.