Northamptonshire Cricket has signed Somerset fast bowler Ollie Sale. The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal.
Northants released seamers Nathan Buck and Brandon Glover earlier this week. They viewed Sale as a player who can help the team in all three formats.
Sale is a tall right-handed pitcher who came through the Somerset programme but has suffered injuries. He had back surgery in 2015 and made his senior T20 debut the following summer. But he was then sidelined until finishing as the club’s leading wicket-taker in the 2020 Vitality Blast.
“Ollie has a very, very high potential.” John Sadler, Northants head coach, said. “He brings real pace and he’s had success in white-ball cricket so far. That’s where his immediate strengths lie but we see him playing all formats for us moving forward too.
“He’s at the time of his career now where he felt a move would be good. What he offers feels like a great fit for us right now and he’s someone we’re really excited to get to work with.”
Sale missed the entire 2021 season due to double shoulder surgery, but he returned to fitness this summer. He made his List A debut during the Royal London Cup. In the 2nd XI Championship, he averaged 17.40 with the red ball.
“I’m hugely excited to be joining Northamptonshire at what seems to be a really promising time for the club,” Sale said. “When I spoke with John Sadler, he talked me through his vision for the club and the role he sees me fulfilling in the squad and I knew it was a brilliant opportunity for me to join an increasingly strong Northamptonshire team on the rise.
“I can’t wait to get going with the boys this winter and hopefully build up to a successful season next year.”
Northamptonshire Cricket is now fifth in the Championship’s Division One and is almost certain to remain in the top flight next season. In addition to Buck and Glover, the club has let go of batsmen Ben Curran and Charlie Thurston.
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