Essex Eagles have added Overseas bowler Raymond Toole to the squad for the remainder of the Royal London Cup.
The 24-year-old, who represents Central Districts in his native New Zealand, has been playing Premier League cricket for Belhus Cricket Club in Grays.
The left-arm seamer progressed through the New Zealand pathway system, representing both Manawatu and Central Districts. His impressive form for the pathway teams led to a first-class debut for Central Districts in October 2019, whilst his List A debut came the following month.
At the end of the 2021 season, Toole was the 5th highest wicket-taker in the Plunkett Shield, with 22 wickets at an average of 26.86 and best figures of 4/38.
In his career to date, he’s taken 53 first-class wickets at an average of 27.43, whilst also taking 7 wickets in the 10 List A games he’s played.
Toole has gained a reputation as a left-armer than can swing the ball both ways, whilst also being comfortable both opening the bowling and being given the responsibility of the death overs in white-ball cricket.
Upon signing for Essex Eagles, Toole said: “It’s been a busy few days getting everything sorted but I’m so pleased to be given the opportunity to represent Essex in 50-over cricket.
“I’ve been training with the team at Chelmsford for a few weeks so I’m familiar with the lads and they’ve been really welcoming to me.
“With 4 games left in the competition, I’ll be hoping to hit the ground running so we can finish the Royal London Cup campaign strongly, and if we do that, you never know what could happen.”
