Atkinson in frame to understudy Ambrose

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Warwickshire are to give trials to Hong Kong wicketkeeper Jamie Atkinson as a possible new understudy to Tim Ambrose. The county champions are in the market for a new wicketkeeper following Richard Johnson’s decision to join Derbyshire on a full-time contract having spent part of last season on loan at the second division champions.

Atkinson has been recommended to Warwickshire by Simon Millington, the Hong Kong-based supremo of bat makers Woodworm, and is due to link up with Warwickshire when they report back for training on November 5.

Atkinson, 22, is the son of former Durham, Holland and Hong Kong batsman Steve, and he has already played in two one-day internationals against Pakistan and India – both in 2008 – and six first-class matches.

He has also played in England for Durham MCCU and will have the chance to press his claims for a contract during his spell on trial at Edgbaston.

Ambrose, who suffered a thigh injury in Warwickshire’s Clydesdale Bank 40 semi-final victory over Lancashire at Old Trafford last month, is to undergo surgery later this month on a shoulder problem.

The operation is likely to require a rehabilitation period of two months, increasing Warwickshire’s need to sign an understudy capable of filling in for Ambrose at first team level.

Warwickshire will begin their preparations with a pre-season trip to Barbados next March, which will be shorter than usual as they will also be required to play the MCC in Abu Dhabi in the curtain-raiser to the new domestic season later that month.

Date: 11/10/2012 11:41:23 by Paul Bolton
In: Warwickshire | Today |