Dan Worrall to return to Gloucestershire
17 December 2020
Gloucestershire Cricket is pleased to announce that right-arm fast bowler Dan ‘Franky’ Worrall will be returning to play for The Shire in 2021.
The 29-year-old Australia International will be eligible to play in all formats in 2021 having previously played in the County Championship and Royal London Cup for the Club.
Speaking on his return to Gloucestershire, Dan said:
“I’m really excited to be back with Glos in 2021. They have a cracking bunch of lads who are all really dedicated to competing with the best and I can’t wait to be a part of that culture again.
“I have played a couple of seasons with Gloucestershire and love being in Bristol. The squad has had a couple of changes and the injection of some young talent into the group is exciting for the future of the Club.
“My goal is to perform individually to a high standard and help lead the young players in the squad to develop and fulfil their potential.”
Worrall is currently playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). In their opening match of the competition against Hobart Hurricanes, Dan took one wicket but his batting was what stole the show. He made a career best 62* that included 7 fours and 3 sixes. Two days later, the two sides met again and Dan took 1/21 in his four overs.
In the previous rendition of the BBL, Worrall was part of a Melbourne Stars team that finished runner-up in the competition. He took eight wickets en route to the final including 1/14 in the showcase game against Sydney Sixers.
Head Coach Richard Dawson is happy to be welcoming Worrall back to Gloucestershire said:
“First and foremost, Dan is a quality opening bowler who has shown previously at Gloucestershire how highly skilled he is, especially in English conditions.
“He’s a great person to have in the changing room and to have a new ball bowler for the whole season is a positive boost not just for the bowling attack but for the whole squad.
“He can play in all formats; he‘s showing that right now in the BBL and he’s played a couple of four-day games for South Australia so he’s very flexible in what he can do with his skills which is very useful to have.”
Worrall last played in England in 2019 when he featured in two One-Day cup matches, taking two wickets in each encounter. This winter, he played four-day cricket for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield and has took four wickets in two matches while bowling economically.
In 2018, Worrall made four appearances in the County Championship and made a good impression in his short time, taking 16 wickets in four matches with best figures of 6/85. He also recorded his First-class career best with the bat, making 50 on his home debut against Glamorgan.
2021 will be the first year in which Dan will be available for selection for the entire season.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come back to Gloucestershire as I feel I have plenty of unfinished business with the Club,” he said. “I am confident that I’ll be able to come to the UK and make a difference in the new season.”
