Solanki on Surrey's wanted list

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Surrey want Worcestershire’s former England one-day batsman Vikram Solanki to bolster their depleted batting line-up. Solanki faces a surprise exit from New Road after 17 years as a Worcestershire player after he was given permission by them to speak to other counties.

Worcestershire have yet to make Solanki a formal offer of a new contract when his existing deal runs out at the end of the season and his details were circulated to other counties by the Professional Cricketers’ Association, of which he is chairman, two weeks ago.

Solanki might be unwanted by Worcestershire but it is understood that three other counties, including Surrey, are keen to sign the 36-year-old for next season.

Surrey are in the market for experienced batsmen following the death of Tom Maynard and the retirement of Mark Ramprakash. Their captain Rory Hamilton-Brown is also on an extended period of compassionate leave following the death of his flat-mate Maynard.

That has left Surrey without half of their first choice top six from the start of the season and in the market for someone of Solanki’s vast experience.

Surrey have the financial clout to satisfy the wage demands of Solanki who is believed to be Worcestershire’s highest-paid player. The fact that the PCA main offices are now located in the OCS Stand at The Oval might also be a factor when Solanki, who recently graduated with a law degree from the Open University, decides where he will be playing his cricket next season.
 

Date: 18/07/2012 10:28:40 by Paul Bolton
In: Worcestershire | Today | Surrey |