Weather frustration for Gatting junior

By Paul Bolton

James Gatting’s hopes of following his father Mike into county cricket suffered a setback when Leicestershire’s Second XI Trophy and Championship matches against Yorkshire at Harrogate last week were abandoned because of the wet weather.

Gatting made his second team debut for Leicestershire last summer and was invited back for winter nets at Grace Road. The 25-year-old, who plays club cricket for Winchmore Hill, impressed sufficiently to be asked back to play against Yorkshire but the soggy spring conditions washed out both games.

“James was with us during the winter working with us in our bowling group and also the batting group,” said Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase. “We wanted to have a look at him outdoors but unfortunately the Yorkshire matches were washed out.

“With players becoming fit, it obviously has an impact on places in the second team so we are not sure when we will have the chance to look at James again. He’s just like his father. He’s square, he bats and bowls medium pace and he’s a competitive character.

“Things didn’t quite work out for him with Middlesex but he’s keen to give it a go in county cricket and this year is probably the last chance for him to do that.”

Gatting’s father captained England and Middlesex and James's cousin Joe, a former Brighton footballer, now plays for Sussex as a batsman.


Date: 01/05/2012 19:08:20 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Leicestershire |