Crook returns to Wantage Road

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Northamptonshire have re-signed all-rounder Steven Crook from Middlesex on a two-year deal.

Crook enjoyed a solid season in 2012, claiming 47 wickets across all competitions and finishing as Middlesex’s leading wicket-taker in the Clydesdale Bank 40.

However, the recent arrival of James Harris at Lord’s has pushed the Australian-born seamer down the pecking order and he will now return to Northamptonshire, whom he represented from 2005 to 2009.

Steven Crook enjoyed success at Middlesex in 2012, but has returned to Northamptonshire in search of more frequent first-team action

Having been hampered by a series of injuries, Crook took time out of the game following his initial release by Northants, only to re-emerge at the home of cricket.

“I would like to thank everyone at Middlesex, all the coaching, support and office staff, my team-mates and fans of the club for a fantastic couple of years, and for giving me the opportunity to return to cricket after spending 2010 out the game,” he stated.

“I must also highlight (Middlesex managing director of cricket) Angus Fraser for showing faith in me and his continued support for my development as a cricketer. My appreciation must also go to Richard Scott, Richard Johnson and Mark O'Neill for the huge impact they have made on my game.

“I'm now really looking forward to the next chapter of my career at Northants and excited about joining a talented group of players and working with David Ripley and the coaching staff to help the club push for honours in all competitions next year."

Northants head coach Ripley added: “We are delighted to welcome Steven back to the club. He is a proven impact player and he will bring multi-dimensional skills to both our red and white ball cricket. He is also a very popular player to have in our dressing room.”

Chief executive David Smith said: “Our thanks go to Angus Fraser and Middlesex, who have reluctantly agreed to release Steven from his contract a year early, so that he can play more regular first-team cricket at Northants.”

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