Norwell pens Gloucestershire deal

Liam Norwell revealed he was "excited and grateful" to sign a contract after progressing through the Academy

Gloucestershire have awarded Academy pace bowler Liam Norwell a two-year professional contract.

The 18-year-old, who has been named in the ECB Elite Player Development squad this summer, could make his senior Gloucestershire debut tonight after being named in the squad for the Friends Provident t20 clash with Essex at Chelmsford.

“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to play for Gloucestershire as a professional cricketer,” said Norwell.

“I have enjoyed being part of the Academy; it has given me great confidence and supported my development.

“I now look forward to being part of the GCCC squad to play Essex in the FP t20 tonight and working on improving my skills in the coming seasons.

“I would like to thank my parents for their continued support and encouragement and also Pete Bolland, my coach at Redruth CC and teacher at Redruth Technology College, for his hard work and support.”

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “It is tremendous news that Liam has agreed to a two-year contract as he is a young man with great physical attributes.

“Our specialist coaching and physical development department will spend valuable time with Liam over the next two years, which will allow him to put these attributes into practice.

“We see great long-term potential in Liam's ability to bowl a heavy ball.”

Academy director Owen Dawkins added: “Liam has developed quickly through the Academy and I am very pleased to see another Academy player progress on to a full-time contract.”