Crook makes return to Northants

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Northamptonshire have re-signed all-rounder Steven Crook who has been released by Middlesex from the final year of his contract so that he could rejoin his former county.

Crook, who joined Northamptonshire from Lancashire in 2005, has spent the last two seasons with Middlesex after a year out of county cricket.

The Australian-born player still has a house in Northampton and was keen to return to Wantage Road. Middlesex reluctantly accepted Crook’s request to move on after competition for seam bowling places on their staff increased with the signing of James Harris from Glamorgan.

 “I would like to thank everyone at Middlesex, all the coaching, support and office staff, my team mates and fans of the club for a fantastic couple of years, and for giving me the opportunity to return to cricket after spending 2010 out the game,” Crook said.

“I must also highlight Angus Fraser for showing faith in me and his continued support for my development as a cricketer. My appreciation must also go to Richard Scott, Richard Johnson and Mark O'Neill for the huge impact they have made on my game.

“I'm now really looking forward to the next chapter of my career at Northants and excited about joining a talented group of players and working with David Ripley and the coaching staff to help the club push for honours in all competitions next year.”

Crook, 29, has rejoined Northamptonshire on a two-year contract and is their second new signing for next season following Surrey batsman Matthew Spriegel.

“We are delighted to welcome Steven back to the club. He is a proven impact player and he will bring multi-dimensional skills to both our red and white ball cricket. He is also a very popular player to have in our dressing room,” said Northamptonshire head coach Ripley.


Date: 05/10/2012 18:01:39 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire |