Cricket Gloucestershire sign fast bowler Stuart on three-year deal
GLOUCESTERSHIRE have announced the signing of right-arm fast bowler and Scotland international Stuart Whittingham.
The 24-year-old joins the county from Sussex on a three-year deal.
Whittingham first played for Sussex at under-10 level and made his first-class debut against Derbyshire in 2016, taking a wicket with his first ball.
He qualified to play for Scotland and his international career began with a three-wicket performance against Sri Lanka in a practice match at Beckenham as part of Scotland’s tour of England in May 2017.
Whittingham went on to make his one-day international debut for Scotland against Papua New Guinea in the ICC World Cricket League Championship in October 2017. He also made his T20 international debut for Scotland against Ireland in June of this year.
In the 15 first-class appearances he has made, he has taken 46 wickets, with his best figures of 5-80 coming against Derbyshire at Hove in 2017.
He also took impressive match figures of 8-93 against Ireland in an Intercontinental Cup match in Dubai in 2017.
Speaking after finalising the move, Whittingham said: “I am really excited to have signed for Gloucestershire. I am keen to continue with the development of my game and to play here is a fantastic opportunity.
“I feel like I have reached a time in my career where I can offer a lot to the team.
“We have a great group of lads who are looking to push for success and I can’t wait to get started. I look forward to meeting all of Gloucestershire’s members and supporters very soon.”
Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson said: “I am delighted that Stuart has joined us at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. He will add to our bowling group and boost competition for places. His ability to bowl fast spells, along with having an impressive strike rate of 43 balls per wicket, gives us variety in our bowling unit.
“He is still at an age where there is room for development and all the players and coaches are looking forward to working with Stuart.”
Will Brown, the county’s chief executive, added: “It is great to see Stuart join us. His manner, ability and commitment has impressed us hugely in the time we’ve spent together. We are really looking forward to him joining up with the squad and developing as an important member of the team.”