Muchall junior joins Gloucs

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Paul Muchall has signed a two-year contract with Gloucestershire after a successful trial during pre-season.

The 25-year-old all-rounder, younger brother of Durham's Gordon Muchall, featured in Gloucestershire’s warm-up games and impressed director of cricket John Bracewell.

The former Durham player, who made just one senior appearance for the north-east county, is in contention to play in Gloucestershire’s LV= County Championship opener with Essex from Thursday.

He told the club's website: "I'm very pleased with how things have gone. John Bracewell was very specific in what he wanted from me and obviously I have impressed in the right ways.

"I'm delighted to have signed a contract until the end of the 2013 season. My one innings in pre-season ended in a duck, but I did have a good game from Gloucestershire second XI last season, scoring 150 runs in the match against Surrey Seconds.

"The bowling has gone pretty well. I like to hit the pitch hard and nip the ball around off the seam, with the occasional bouncer here and there when needed.

Paul Muchall, younger brother of Durham's Gordon, said: "I'm delighted to have signed a contract until the end of the 2013 season."

"I would hope to bat around six, seven or eight in the order, but it looks a strong batting line-up and I'll happily slot in where required."

After graduating from academy cricket, Paul Muchall spent three years with Durham, where Will Gidman was a team-mate in the second XI, and has been with MCC Young Cricketers for the past two seasons.

Gidman’s move to Gloucestershire has been a remarkable success, the all-rounder last year completing a double of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets in the championship.

"Like Will, I was a victim of Durham having such a successful team so opportunities were limited," Muchall said.

"It was a great learning experience because I played with some terrific players there, but I was delighted when the club helped me get a place with MCC Young Cricketers.

"I really benefited from my two years there. It is a great foundation for players who want to break into the county game.

"I've always enjoyed playing alongside Will. We do similar things in different styles and if I can have half the first season with Gloucestershire that he enjoyed last summer I'll be happy.”

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