Shreck trades Notts for Kent

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Charlie Shreck leaves Nottinghamshire after nine seasons - but a year ahead of schedule as he goes in search of regular first-team cricket at Kent

Charlie Shreck will join Kent next season after being released from the final year of his contract at Nottinghamshire.

The seamer, who turns 34 in January, will make a farewell appearance for Nottinghamshire in their final LV= County Championship game of the season against Sussex at Trent Bridge next week.

Shreck has taken 290 wickets in 82 first-class matches since joining Nottinghamshire from Minor Counties cricket in 2003, helping them win the Championship in 2005 and 2010 and collecting the player of the year award in 2006 and 2008.

“Charlie is very highly thought of here and he has set an excellent example to our younger players during his time at Trent Bridge,” said Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell.

“He has foregone a benefit year to make this move and that shows his desire to play regular first-team cricket, which we couldn’t guarantee given the depth we have in our squad.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the contribution that he has made here and there is no doubt that he will make a difference at his new club.”

Nottinghamshire have signed Harry Gurney from Leicestershire for next season, while Andre Adams and Luke Fletcher recently agreed new deals.

Andy Carter, Darren Pattinson, Paul Franks and Jake Ball add to their seam-bowling options.

“Mick has a plan that is working and it involves bringing through a group of younger bowlers to ensure that the team can continue to move forwards,” said Shreck.

“No one enjoys turning up at the ground not being sure of a place in the side and my only motivation for leaving is to find regular first team cricket because I have loved every minute of my time here.

“Trent Bridge is an amazing place and Nottinghamshire gave me the opportunity to play first class cricket after a very late start and I will always be grateful for that.”

Shreck joined Kent on loan earlier this season, but played just one championship game before a mounting injury list prompted Nottinghamshire to recall him early.

In addition, he has played nine of Nottinghamshire's 14 championship games this summer, taking 31 wickets at 27.51 apiece.

Kent director of cricket Paul Farbrace, whose side have been shorn of seamers this year following Amjad Khan’s release, said: “Charlie will be a welcome addition to our bowling unit.

“He is an experienced and knowledgeable bowler who will bring a lot for our young bowlers and we look forward to welcoming him back to the squad.”