Middlesex batsman Tom Lace joins Gloucestershire on long-term deal

The 22-year-old, who spent much of the 2019 campaign on loan at Derbyshire, follows former Middlesex pair Ryan Higgins and George Scott in making the move to Bristol

Middlesex batsman Tom Lace has joined Gloucestershire in a deal that will take him through to the end of the 2023 season.

The 22-year-old, who spent much of the 2019 campaign on loan at Derbyshire, follows former Middlesex pair Ryan Higgins and George Scott in making the move to Bristol.

Having passed a medical at the club earlier this week, Lace will be available for Gloucestershire’s Bob Willis Trophy match against Glamorgan, which begins on August 15.

Lace was the tenth-highest run-scorer in Division Two last year, making 835. Higgins was the only other player under the age of 25 in the top ten.

However, he has found opportunities limited, and Middlesex have agreed to release Lace from his contract to allow him to join his new county with immediate effect.

“I’m delighted to have signed for Gloucestershire for the next three years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running and helping the team to more success. Bristol is a brilliant city and Gloucestershire is a county full of hungry and talented young players. I’m hugely grateful to everyone at the Club for the opportunity to be a part of that.”

Head coach Richard Dawson added: “We’re absolutely delighted Tom has joined the Club. He’s a very talented young batsman with a great work ethic and he will be a great addition to the changing room. 

“Last season we saw first-hand, when he played for Derbyshire, how good a batsman he is and now we look forward to him scoring runs for Gloucestershire.”

Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser explained: “We are sorry to see Tom leave. He is a fine young man with a bright future in the game. When Tom extended his contract, it was on the mutual understanding that if, for whatever reason, he was not playing regular first eleven cricket he would be entitled to seek opportunities elsewhere. Everyone at Middlesex Cricket wishes him well for the future.”

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