Essex Cricket are delighted to announce that Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland has signed as the second overseas player for the Club’s 2023 LV= Insurance County Championship campaign.
Sutherland’s deal with Essex will initially include the first 11 fixtures of the red-ball season which begins on April 06 with a visit to North London to take on recently promoted Middlesex and ends with a visit to Hampshire on July 25.
The Australian has most recently been appointed interim Captain of Victoria’s four-day side, with the State currently sitting in second place in the Sheffield Shield ladder.
Standing at 6’5”, Sutherland has made a massive impression with ball in hand this season and is the third highest wicket-taker in the Shield, taking 36 wickets at an average of under 20.
With the bat, the all-rounder has also starred throughout the Australian summer averaging 31 in his first six fixtures.
In the recent 12th edition of the Big Bash League, Sutherland dazzled the Australian crowds while playing for his side the Melbourne Renegades, where he scored 210 runs at an average of 30.
After joining the Club, Sutherland said: “I’m really excited to join Essex until the end of July! I’ve heard amazing things about the Club, and I can’t wait to meet the lads and get to work.
“After speaking to Mags [Anthony McGrath] it’s clear to see that Essex are really ambitious and have the clear goal of bringing silverware back to Chelmsford and hopefully I can play a big part in that.”
Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath worked closely with the all-rounder during a coaching stint with the Renegades this winter and is excited to welcome him to Chelmsford.
McGrath added: “It’s great to have Chief [Will Sutherland] sign for the Club for the majority of our County Championship fixtures. After witnessing his ability first-hand out in Australia, it’s clear to see that he is extremely talented and has a massive future ahead of him.
“He is someone we identified as a player who could contribute with both bat and ball, starting with our first league fixture against Middlesex at Lord’s on 06 April.
“Will has had a strong campaign for his state side back home and we’re confident he will perform for us this Summer.
Essex Cricket CEO, John Stephenson commented: I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to get this deal over the line and add Will to our squad ahead of the 2023 County Championship.
“It’s very important that we add high calibre players to our team for us to compete at the top of the table this season with the aim of winning Division One once again.”
