Adams talks up Keedy-Batty axis

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Team director Chris Adams believes the signing of Gary Keedy means Surrey now possess the best two spinners in the domestic game.

Keedy has made the move south from Lancashire after finding himself behind fellow left-arm tweaker Simon Kerrigan in the pecking order for LV= County Championship action.

At his new club, Keedy - according to Adams - will be utilised in all forms of the game, often alongside off-break bowler Gareth Batty.

“I am very, very pleased with the signing,” Adams admitted. “He is a great complement to Gareth Batty and I certainly feel we have now got, outside of who England select, the most experienced and probably best two spinners (in the country).

“He is very excited and up to take quite a lot of wickets in the last few years of his career. He is very serious about winning some silverware as well which is really good to hear.”

Team director Chris Adams feels Surrey have signed Gary Keedy, pictured, at the perfect time. "He has got a lot still to give," said Adams

Speaking about Keedy’s role in all formats, Adams added: “He was pretty much limited to one-day cricket by Lancashire this year, so that has really frustrated him. But, in many ways, it has focussed him again on one-day cricket and making sure he plays very well in that form.

“That is great because we are going to need him in all forms of the game. Certainly, in the eight championship games we play here, we are very committed to a two-spin policy.

“I suspect in four of the eight away games we play, we would look to play two spinners. And on those games when there are green wickets then either Gareth or Gary will play.

“Certainly in the last two years when we have been playing very good 40-over cricket, we have been committed towards a healthy spin policy.

“The way t20 is now successfully played by most teams, that’s still a heavy spin policy with lots of left-arm spinners so, all in all, we have got a very good signing.”

Adams believes the fact Keedy, at the age of 37, is unwilling to let his career peter out speaks volumes.

He added: “He has had a fine career and is a very experienced player who has taken 600-plus first-class wickets at an average of 31; that record speaks for itself.

“He has had a long time at Lancashire and a very successful time, both as an individual and last year they won the championship.

“He does not want to end his career petering out, playing second XI cricket and the odd one-day game here and there. Actually, he has got a lot still to give.

“As we know, spinners can go on longer than most and, arguably, they get better with age. I think we have got him at a really good time and he will play a lot of cricket.

“I think it is a real bonus for him that he’s joining Surrey because there aren’t many clubs that are more committed to a dual-spin policy and I think he will be a great compliment to Gareth Batty.”

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