Harry Gurney Quits First-Class Cricket, Eyes White-Ball Show for Nottinghamshire
Mar 20, 2019 at 7:03 PM
England left-arm paceman Harry Gurney has announced his first-class retirement in a bid to give wings to his white-ball cricket. He has recently signed the deal of extension until 2020 with English County Club Nottinghamshire. Gurney has been a force to reckon in the first-class fold, who also made his international debut for the Three Lions way back in 2014.
Since December 29, Gurney is on the road to feature in different leagues across the globe. Also, it has gained him significant points in his cricketing CV.
In between, he has travelled from England to Australia, Pakistan to India, in a bid to give a kick to his cricketing career.
Furthermore, the county side; Nottinghamshire has also confirmed that Gurney has hung his boots for the Championship career while setting focus solely on the limited-over fold. With him being clear in his thoughts, Gurney has played 10 One-day Internationals and two T20Is to bag 14 wickets.
Gurney has also thanked his club and administration for their immense support. He has acknowledged the fact of playing alongside well-versed cricketers.
Besides, Gurney has categorically stated that his place is: England to represent and play for.
Harry Gurney announces retirement from the first-class setup for Nottinghamshire:
The promising and relatively unknown commodity for many has expressed delight in whatever capacity he has had performed for his team. He has also shed light on his achievements with the red-ball cricket back in England.
“I am grateful to the Club for understanding and for showing faith in me by giving me a deal until the end of 2020. As a cricketer, I can’t imagine playing my cricket anywhere else in England and I hope I can taste further white-ball success with this exciting group of players. I am very proud of what I have achieved in red ball cricket, but now feels like the right time to focus solely on one-day competitions,” Nottinghamshire website quoted Gurney as saying.
The 32-year-old left-arm fast bowler is hopeful on maintaining integrity while partaking for the first time in IPL. He himself considers it as a major challenge while aiming to leave an impact.
Meanwhile, back home he will represent Nottinghamshire in the day-long format apart from the shortest version of the game.
Mick Newell Lauds Harry Gurney for his Nottinghamshire red-ball show:
Moreover, Mick Newell, who is the Director of Cricket for Nottinghamshire, maintained it’s pretty sad, but at the same time, Gurney’s dedication to white-ball cricket is a pleasant sight to look at. He added there are always takers and they’re equally committed to seeing him as an asset for the club.
“While it’s a disappointment that Harry won’t be playing red ball cricket for us anymore. We’re really pleased to have him committed to us for one-day cricket over the next two seasons. He will continue to be an asset to us, as he has been for a number of years,” Newell said.
Concurrently, Gurney is the part of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Recently, he has been part of the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Melbourne Renegades. Aaron Finch-led side has won their maiden BBL title. They registered a dramatic victory against their arch-rivals Melbourne Starts by 13 runs at the MCG on 17th of February 2019.
In nine games, Gurney has snared 10 scalps for Renegades at an average of 24.40. Overall, in the eighth season of BBL, Gurney has conceded 244 runs.
Also, he has represented current Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Quetta Gladiators. Now, he is eyeing the third title on a trot.
Gurney is keen to contribute while being considered as one of the leading bowlers T20 bowlers in contemporary cricket.