Hampshire make statement signing with Benny Howell rejoining on white-ball deal

Howell, among the best short-format players not to have been capped by England, is leaving Gloucestershire after 10 years to go back to the club where he started his career

Benny Howell will return to Hampshire in 2023 in a major coup for the defending Vitality Blast champions.

Howell, among the best short-format players not to have been capped by England, is leaving Gloucestershire after 10 years to go back to the club where he started his career.

His value in the domestic game is made clear by the fact Hampshire have given him a three-year contract on the south coast, at the age of 33. 

Howell will play white-ball cricket for the county, and will be a major part of the Hawks' defence of their Blast title, won last month following a dramatic victory over Lancashire Lightning at Edgbaston.

^{Benny Howell is returning to Hampshire [Getty Images]}

His bowling variations - a combination of knuckle balls, cross-seam and cutters - and beligerent lower middle-order batting will add an extra dimension to the Hampshire lineup.

Gloucestershire, meanwhile, will find the allrounder very difficult to replace. 

Howell said: "Hampshire is the place where I learnt a great amount during my early career. It was always an elite environment so I'm extremely excited to rejoin the club after 10 years away and hopefully I can help the side compete for more trophies in the future."

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: "Benny is recognised as one of the best T20 allrounders in England and it's great that he wants to finish his career where it began.

"He adds great depth to our squad and improves both our batting and bowling resources. It will be great to have him back with the group and we are all looking forward to seeing him perform in a Hawks shirt again next season."

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