Wicket-keeper Harry Duke has joined Essex on a two-week loan deal from Yorkshire ahead of the Vitality County Championship matches away to Durham and Somerset.
Duke, 22, has made the temporary switch from Yorkshire, who he has represented in all formats since his debut in 2021.
A specialist keeper, he has 73 catches and four stumpings across 44 matches in red- and white-ball cricket for the Headingley side.
Duke has also struck five half-centuries and two hundreds in all formats, totalling more than 1,100 runs, and in January 2020 was included in England’s Under-19 World Cup squad.
He joins the Club with existing wicket-keepers Michael Pepper and Adam Rossington both currently receiving treatment for finger injuries.
Meanwhile, Jordan Cox is currently unable to keep wicket following his rehabilitation from a finger injury sustained during The Hundred last season.
Duke will wear the number 2 shirt during his time with Essex, and Head Coach Anthony McGrath said: “We’re really happy to have added quality to the squad with the signing of Harry.
“Obviously, the situation with injuries to our wicket-keepers is unfortunate and not what any of us would have wanted, but it’s about how you adapt and overcome challenges like this.
“By signing Harry, we’ve brought in a young, talented cricketer who possesses the ability to play at the top level, and we’re all looking forward to seeing him in an Essex shirt.”
The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground
Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex return to shortest-format action in Chelmsford from Sunday 02 June.
Demand remains exceptionally high, and there is now just one Friday night fixture with availability remaining, the visit of Glamorgan to The Cloud County Ground on 07 June.
With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.
Sunday 02 June, 4:00pm: Essex v Middlesex – buy here
Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
