Aussie keeper Johnson signs for Worcs

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Worcestershire have signed former Australia Under-19 wicketkeeper Michael Johnson. The 24-year-old, who has a British passport, has made ten first-class appearances for Western Australia and he played second team cricket for Kent last season.

Johnson, who made his first-class debut in 2009, has also appeared in two one-day and two Twenty20 matches for the state. He will fill the gap left by Ben Scott, the former Middlesex wicketkeeper who was released by Worcestershire at the end of last season. Johnson’s arrival will also mean increased competition for Ben Cox, the only other specialist wicketkeeper on the staff.

"Michael comes to New Road as a ready-made first team player, having served his apprenticeship with Western Australia as a contracted player from a young age,” said Worcestershire’s director of cricket Steve Rhodes, a former England wicketkeeper.

“At 24 he has plenty of years ahead of him. He also brings captaincy experience and run-scoring ability from playing grade cricket for the successful Scarborough CC in the WACA grade competition. I am looking forward with interest to the healthy scrap for the gloves with Ben Cox."

Johnson, who will not count as an overseas player, is relishing the prospect of playing county cricket for the first time. "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to play for Worcestershire," he said. "I am very much looking forward to working closely with Steve Rhodes and the rest of the squad. I hope to be a part of the developing team that brings success to New Road. I can't wait to get started."


Date: 20/12/2012 06:00:00 by Paul Bolton
In: Worcestershire | Today |