Glo’sters bring in three new players

GLOUCESTERSHIRE have signed all-rounder Zak Chappell, fastbowler Brad Wheal and batsman Jacob Bethell on loan with all three available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship match against Somerset, starting in Bristol today.

Gloucestershire head coach Dale Benkenstein will be without a number of first-team players for the visit of Somerset, including bowlers David Payne, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir and batsmen Chris Dent and Ben Charlesworth.

Scotland international Brad Wheal, who was born in South Africa, has been signed on a minimum two-week loan deal from fellow Division One side Hampshire. The 25-year-old began his career in English cricket in 2015 when he was signed by the thenHampshire coach Benkenstein. Wheal has 95 first-class wickets to his name and an impressive average bowling economy of 3.44. He was also part of the Scotland squad that took part in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Lincolnshire-born all-rounder Chappell joins Gloucestershire on a one-month loan deal from Division Two side Nottinghamshire. The 25-year-old right-arm fast bowler and right-handed batsman has taken 59 first-class wickets in just 26 matches and has scored almost 700 runs with the bat in as many appearances.

England Under-19s international Bethell has signed for Gloucestershire for the Somerset match only from last year’s County Championship winners, Warwickshire. The 18-year-old scored 205 runs at the 2022 Under-19s Cricket World Cup.

■ Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum last night looked set to become England’s new Test head coach. The 40-yearold is reported to have agreed to take the role and, subject to a contract being finalised, confirmation could come this week.