Matthew Waite eager to forget injuries and repay Yorkshire CCC after new deal

The 24-year-old today becomes the latest Yorkshire player to agree a new deal at Headingley, signing a contract extension that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2022 season.

Waite made his List A debut against Sri Lanka A in 2014 with his first-class debut following just under three years later against Somerset.

But, the Leeds-born quickie’s desire to establish a more permanent presence in the team has been hampered by recurring injury problems, mainly relating to his ankle.

His latest setback came earlier this year when, just one day before Yorkshire’s Bob Willis Trophy campaign was due to get underway, another injury blow ruled him out for the shortened 2020 season.

Despite that, Yorkshire see good reason to keep hold of Waite, who is keen to repay the faith the club have shown in him.

“It’s been a tough couple of years if I’m honest,” said Waite. “I had a good pre-season and I was really looking forward to the season, but unfortunately I didn’t have the best of luck. Hopefully, moving forward, I can have a bit of luck and get on a decent run.

“I’ve not played much in the last couple of years so to get that backing and a two-year deal fills me with confidence. Hopefully, I can repay them.

“Staying fit is the main thing. I don’t want to look back too much, just forward. I’d like to nail down a first-team spot, but I’ve got to play a number of games consistently and perform consistently.”

Yorkshire director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, said Waite was a player the club believed was worth investing more time in.

“He’s someone with huge potential,” said Moxon. “He’s shown his capabilities at first team level – it’s now just a matter of him hopefully having an injury-free season next year, then he can really kick on.”

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Thank you, James Mitchinson. Editor.