Fletcher joins Notts ranks

Nottinghamshire have further strengthened their seam-bowling department with the signing of Luke Fletcher.

The 19-year-old fast bowler, who spent much of last summer in the second XI, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal after impressing on the pre-season tour of South Africa.

With Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad expected to miss a large part of the domestic season because of England duty, 6ft 6in Fletcher will provide back-up to the likes of Charlie Shreck, Paul Franks, AJ Harris and Mark Footitt at Trent Bridge.

Director of cricket Mick Newell said: “Luke has worked very hard over the winter and has impressed all the coaching staff over the past 12 months.

“He’s definitely someone we want to continue looking at over a longer period of time and will be expected to provide competition and pressure on the first-team bowlers.

“It’s nice to have another local lad in the squad and I know how keen he is to make a career in cricket, and play for Notts.”

Fletcher, who plays for Papplewick in the Notts Premier League alongside Notts bowling coach Phil DeFreitas, paid tribute to the influence the former England all-rounder has had on his progress.

“Phil was one of the first to say to me that if I put in the effort I might have a chance of making it as a pro,” Fletcher said.

“I’d never really taken cricket seriously up to last year and having worked hard to get this far, I’m not stopping now.

“Last summer I was a bit star-struck when I was around the dressing room but having spent time with the players on pre-season, I now feel settled in and a full part of the squad.

“I can’t wait for the season to start and I’m determined to push on from here for a first-team place before the end of the season.”