Leg spinning all-rounder Ed Middleton signs for Gloucestershire on short-term deal
17 May 2023
Exciting 22-year-old leg spinner Ed Middleton has signed with Gloucestershire on a short-term deal until the end of the season after a string of impressive Second XI performances.
Middleton has taken eleven Second XI wickets so far this season, including four match wickets during last Tuesday’s Second XI Championship victory over Surrey.
Most recently, the leggie faced a strong Warwickshire Second XI in a T20 friendly match where he dismissed England World Cup winner, Chris Woakes, and opening batter Rob Yates, claiming 2/31 from his 4 overs.
A product of Oxford UCCE and Devon CCC, Middleton has been training with Shire since June 2022, making a first Second XI appearance against Surrey, taking five wickets. Seven wickets and 111* not out followed against Essex as Middleton took 21 wickets and scored 222 runs at an average of 31.7 in his first year for Gloucestershire Second XI.
Speaking of his delight of signing for Shire, Middleton said:
“It’s been amazing to sign for Gloucestershire this week. There’s a great group of lads at the Club and the coaching staff have given me opportunities to improve and perform on the pitch. Working particularly with Owen Dawkins has helped me improve my all-round game.
“Playing for Oxford UCCE and Devon CCC has allowed me to develop my skills in the winter and showcase them in the summer. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on the journey.”
Performance Director at Gloucestershire Cricket, Steve Snell, said:
“Since joining us on a trial basis, Ed has shown exciting potential with his leg-spin, batting and fielding, but primarily we are really excited about his leg-spin bowling. He’s tall, gets bounce and can spin the ball both ways.
“Ed has been developed in some fantastic environments, most recently with the Oxford UCCE programme and in national counties cricket, with the Devon pathway and senior teams. These environments should feel very proud of Ed and the impact they have had on his journey. Likewise, Owen Dawkins and our 2nd Xl staff have been fantastic in recognising Ed’s potential, and nurturing it.
"Ed has demonstrated an outstanding attitude and I believe he has the right mindset to continue developing himself across all aspects of cricket.
“Signing Ed on a short-term deal is just reward for the hard work he’s put in thus far and this is the next part of his journey. I’m excited to see what his journey entails with Gloucestershire.”
Middleton has registered for Shire in time for the Club’s LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Durham beginning on Thursday 18 May.
