UPDATE: Victoria quick Mitch Perry has signed with Lancashire for the upcoming county championship season, set to begin in April 2024. This move allows the 25-year-old star to learn directly from England’s legendary pace bowler Jimmy Anderson, who will captain the team at Old Trafford.
Perry, currently showing exceptional form in Australia’s Sheffield Shield, has taken 22 wickets this season at an impressive average of 19.54. His signing marks another significant step for the Australian fast bowler landscape, which has recently seen a surge of talent heading to English counties.
“I have heard great things from Marcus Harris,” Perry stated. “I can’t wait to get over to Old Trafford, meet the boys, and get stuck into a big red-ball season. It’s a huge opportunity for me, and playing county cricket is something I’ve always wanted to experience.”
Next season, at the age of 43, Anderson will lead Lancashire, providing Perry with the chance to develop under the guidance of a bowler who has taken a record 704 Test wickets. Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, praised Perry’s talent, noting, “We have seen the strength in depth of Australia’s seam bowling ranks, and Mitch comes to us highly recommended.”
In a related development, Daniel Sams, the accomplished left-arm bowler from Sydney, is set to join Somerset for the 2026 T20 Blast. At 33, Sams brings a wealth of experience, having already played for Essex and Nottinghamshire. He was recognized as the tournament’s MVP two years ago when Essex narrowly missed the title against Somerset.
Sams expressed enthusiasm about his new venture, stating, “This is an exciting opportunity, and hopefully, I can help the team retain the trophy.” Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, emphasized Sams’s proven ability to impact games in England, saying, “Daniel has shown his quality all around the world.”
The developments around Perry and Sams highlight the ongoing trend of Australian cricketers making significant contributions in English domestic cricket, which continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. As the April-May season approaches, all eyes will be on Perry as he embarks on this pivotal chapter of his career.
Stay tuned for more updates as these crucial seasons unfold.
