Matthew Fisher on verge of Surrey move after Yorkshire CCC confirms pace bowler’s exit

His next destination is Surrey, a poorly-kept secret that will be publicly confirmed in the coming days.

It marks the end of an era for Fisher and for Yorkshire.

In 2013, he became, aged 15 years and 212 days, the youngest post-war county player when he made his Yorkshire first team debut.

Ironically, it came during a one-day match against Leicestershire at Scarborough - a fixture that will be repeated on Thursday. The cricketing gods like a coincidence, it seems.

Fisher’s talent was instantly recognisable, the then schoolboy returning a respectable 1-40 from seven overs in a three-wicket defeat – Shiv Thakor the first of his 204 wickets across the formats.

That figure, allied to a combined appearance total of 121 games, would have been significantly greater but for a series of injuries.

Back stress fractures, hamstring injuries, calf problems, side issues, various breaks and sprains, Fisher has had them all - and more.

Remarkably, he has fought back from them, too, and is rarely without a smile on his face, one of the most popular and affable, as well as gifted, of cricketers.

Those gifts, allied to his own dedication and perseverance, saw him rise to represent England in a Test against the West Indies at Barbados in 2022.

Cruelly, injury clipped his wings not long afterwards, while he was among those badly and naturally affected by the traumatic events at Yorkshire around that period, when the entire coaching and backroom staff were summarily dismissed in one of the most shameful episodes in the game’s history, an episode that continues to stain a sport it supposedly cleansed.

Still the pride and passion burned in Fisher, who said in the statement announcing his departure: “Playing for and being capped by Yorkshire has been the biggest honour in my life, and to have represented the club for over 10 years has given me and my family immense pride.

“I’d like to thank all players, coaches, medical staff, supporters and everyone involved in the club throughout my time at Yorkshire.

“Whilst I remain a Yorkshire player, I will do what I have always done and give my all for the White Rose.”

Stephen Vaughan, the Yorkshire chief executive, paid tribute on the club’s behalf.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew for his considerable contributions during his time at Yorkshire,” he said.

“Having made his debut 11 years ago at the age of 15, he has developed into an exciting cricketer who has the potential to have a huge influence at the highest level of the game.

“The impact he has had both on and off of the field have been significant, and everyone at the club would like to wish him all the best for the next part of his career.”

Hear, hear.