Yorkshire CCC prospect Ed Barnes joining Leicestershire CCC

Ed Barnes: Seeking more opportunities. Picture: SWPixEd Barnes: Seeking more opportunities. Picture: SWPix
Ed Barnes: Seeking more opportunities. Picture: SWPix
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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice