Noffke signs for Gloucs

Ashley Noffke

Gloucestershire have announced the signing of Australian bowler Ashley Noffke as a replacement for Umar Gul for the first part of the season.

The right-arm bowler will play for Gloucestershire from the start of the season if, as expected, Gul is called up for the Pakistan World Cup squad.

Head Coach, Mark Alleyne, said: “I am very excited at gaining the services of Ashley at the start of the season.

"He is a top performer and the timing couldn’t have been better as Ashley looks to re-launch his bid for a place in the Australian side. I look forward to working closely with him.”

The 29-year-old has previously played for Middlesex (2002-2003) and Durham (2005) and has recently played for Queensland, Australia. He has taken 256 wickets in 79 first class matches.

Noffke has also proved to be a capable lower order batsman, scoring his maiden first class century (114 not out) against South Australia in 2003/04.