Leicestershire CCC move to snap up James Benning
Leicestershire are set to sign Surrey all-rounder James Benning, initially on loan but with an eye to a longer contract.
And, at the same time, County's James Allenby is moving to Glamorgan.
Benning, 26, is likely to play for the County Seconds in a three-day game against Worcestershire starting tomorrow at New Road.
He is expected to make his first-team debut for the Foxes in the Pro40 clash against Middlesex at Lord's on Sunday.
Benning played his first game for Surrey seven years ago and has featured mainly as a right-handed batsman in Championship cricket, hitting four centuries in 36 matches.
He has scored 1,642 first-class runs at an average of 31.
However, more use has been made of the former England under-15 cap's right-arm medium-pace bowling in one-day matches.
County chief executive David Smith: "We've been tracking him for some time. He's a good cricketer.
"He has a good record in one-day cricket and an outstanding record in Twenty20."
Smith added: "If he impresses, we are looking to sign him on a contract.
"It is an opportunity for him to play first-team cricket and show what he can do."
Meanwhile, Allenby could make his debut for the Welsh club in a Pro40 clash against Surrey at The Oval tomorrow.
The 26-year-old is going initially on loan because he is contracted to County for the rest of the season, before he starts a three-year contract.
Glamorgan will have to pay County a fee for his services for the rest of the season and, as part of the deal, Allenby will not play in either the Championship match or the Pro40 clash between the sides at Grace Road in September.
It became apparent a fortnight ago that Allenby was likely to be on the move when he did not sign a new three-year contract by the club's deadline of July 31, and was subsequently left out of the side.
Allenby said: "I am really pleased to be joining Glamorgan, they are a great club with some extremely talented players.
"The club recently hosted a very successful Ashes Test and I hope that we can deliver some great performances on the field for the remainder of the season."
The all-rounder, whose fine batting form was a feature of the Foxes' Twenty20 campaign, has pointed out that this was the most important decision of his career.
He is sad to be leaving the club where he made his name but said: "These things happen, and hopefully Leicestershire can move forward and I can.
"Some of my best friends are still in the Leicestershire dressing room and I wish them all the best."
Glamorgan director of cricket, Matthew Maynard said: "Jim will be a great addition to the club, he is an extremely talented player and I am delighted that he is joining us here at Glamorgan.
"We have significant improvements to make on the field next season.
"Jim's experience will undoubtedly help us for the remaining fixtures this season and in the years ahead.
5 Comments
by David, Oxford
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 2:02PM
“I grew up in Leicester watching the likes of Davison, Mackenzie, Birkenshaw, Higgs, Gower, Willey etc. Even more recently we have had players like Maddy, Smith and Broad gracing Grace Road (and have all left).
The club is now an embarrassment and the loss of Jim Allenby, arguably the most consistent player we have over the last couple of easons, shows how things are going from bad to worse.
Can I suggest Mr Smith spends less time on his own PR and more time on the future of the club.”
by Ryan, Leicester
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 12:38PM
“How long before New and Taylor leave too?”
by G. Higgins, London
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 11:53AM
“So much for a youth policy and developing a team for the future. Nobody wants to play for a side that loses every week, or consistently leaks its better players to other counties. This sends out a terribly negative message, not one of a progressive cricket club moving forward. The executive may have to admit that their much-touted policy of including a set number of English players and predominantly local ones, has failed dismally. I also think the time has come to question the tenure of Tim Boon as coach at the club. He came with a glittering CV and is a former player, so evokes some sentiment, but the colds facts show that our performances have been disastrous under his guidance. And if Josh Cobb really is going to Worcestershire, then that is a travesty of man-management, to go with the April Fool's joke, that was the Charles Dagnall selection, the other day.”
by mark star, manchester
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 11:21AM
“the club has seriously 'lost the plot' it's as if being competitive is an afterthought. i trecked across to clolwyn bay on saturday to watch a resolute defence to save the game, got caught in a snarl up on the m56 and arrived just after lunch to be told on the radio we'd lost the game.... what a shower. i had to spend the afternoon in llandudno ....thanks leicestershire
the only bright spot i didn't go and see them on sunday... what a joke line-up.
time for a change at all levels.
and if i see another 'has been/neverbeen/prospect' be signed and go straight into the first team i'll scream.”
by nick, leicester
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 11:00AM
“And Josh Cobb is leaving for Worcester, what on earth is going on at Grace Road ?
Only last week David Smith was stating that Cobb was to be the backbone of future County middle order lineups.
Isn't it time this newspaer did some proper investigative journalism and found the cause of all this unrest, or are they happy to get the odd quote from the managment at LCCC and remain buddy buddy with the establishment ?”