Hodd joins Yorkshire for loan spell

By Bruce Talbot and Graham Hardcastle

Andrew Hodd is joining Yorkshire on loan for the rest of the season in search of regular first-team cricket.

The Sussex wicketkeeper-batsman has been unable to force his way into the side this season because of the form of Ben Brown in County Championship cricket and the regular availability of Matt Prior for one-day matches.

Hodd, 28, will only be eligible in the Championship for a Yorkshire side bidding to secure an immediate return to the first division.

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "This is a great opportunity for Andrew to play some first-class cricket for a side challenging for promotion and everyone at Sussex wishes him all the best.

"We still have the option to recall him should anything happen but most importantly it is a chance for Andrew to play some first team cricket.”

Hodd’s arrival at Yorkshire is owed to the immediate departure of Gerard Brophy, who has not been offered a contract to extend his White Rose career into an eighth year. It has been agreed he can pursue other opportunities, but he is expected to retire from the game.

Hodd has been drafted in as cover for England-bound Jonny Bairstow, starting with Wednesday’s Championship match against Division Two promotion rivals Derbyshire at Headingley. It will be his first first-class appearance since July of last year.

Yorkshire have taken the view that 22 year-old Dan Hodgson is not ready for Championship cricket just yet despite having made his debut in Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank 40 win over the Unicorns. He will continue to gain experience in 40-over cricket for the rest of the summer. Bairstow will return to the Yorkshire team and take the gloves on Friends Life t20 Finals Day at Cardiff a week on Saturday.

Brophy’s last match was ironically in the CB40 against his former county Northamptonshire at Wantage Road last week. "I'm disappointed to be leaving Yorkshire after seven great years. I've had 20 years playing cricket, and all good things must come to an end,” said Brophy, who earned his county cap in 2008 and a benefit in 2011. “I've always given my all for the White Rose. I wish the club well in the future."

Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s director of professional cricket, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Gerard since I returned to the club in 2007.

“He has been an excellent servant and a key member of the dressing room. He will be missed around the squad. I would like to record my appreciation for his professionalism and dedication to the Yorkshire cause over the last seven years. We wish him every success in the future."


Date: 13/08/2012 16:47:48 by Bruce Talbot
In: Yorkshire | Today | Sussex |