Olly Hannon-Dalby has marked his testimonial year at Warwickshire by signing a contract extension that will keep him at Edgbaston for at least two more seasons.
The Yorkshireman – who recently surpassed 500 career wickets – has agreed a 12-month bolt-on to his current deal will take him to end of the 2025 season.
It comes on the back of successive standout summers for the 6ft 8ins seamer who’s been the Club’s leading red ball wicket taker in each of the last two seasons.
His haul of 54 County Championship wickets in 2023 made him Division One’s fourth top bowler, while he topped the Metro Bank One Day Cup wickets table with 24 at an average of just 13.20.
But Hannon-Dalby said he’d gladly swap some of those wickets for trophies as he eyes more silverware with the Bears.
“I’m loving my cricket at the moment,” added the 34-year-old, “and I think that’s clear to see from the wickets I’ve taken in the last two years. I’m proud to have taken 50-plus wickets in back-to-back seasons.
“I’d exchange a lot of wickets for trophies, though, if I’m honest. Whether it’s me, Rushy, Pasty (Liam Norwell), Barney, Milo, or Hassan taking the wickets, I don’t mind. If it’s leading to wins and leading to trophies that’s the main thing.
“When you throw Woakesy into the mix, plus Richard Gleeson and George Garton in the Blast, it’s as strong a bowling line-up here as I can remember.
“We’ve lots of different styles, lots of bases covered, and if we can all stay fit that’s one formidable bowling attack for this season and more to come.”
Hannon-Dalby joined the Bears from Yorkshire in 2013 and has 450 scalps, and counting, to his name for Warwickshire across all formats.
He admits still getting the same buzz arriving at Edgbaston as he did first walking into the iconic stadium more than a decade ago.
“I still get the same buzz, 100 per cent,” he added. “I drive down the hill from Edgbaston, you can see the ground from a fair way out, and it’s great to think ‘I get to work from there’.
“Looking around here, this stadium is the envy of lots of fans around the world, so to play here and ply my trade here is epic.
“And then I’ll pull up at the entrance and JT on the gate will say ‘bloody hell, what are you still doing here, haven’t they sacked you yet’ and you’re quickly put in your place!
“But yes I’m very lucky to have been able to play here for so long. I feel I’ve got a great relationship with the members and I’m looking forward to a few more seasons to come. Sorry JT!”
Early Bird tickets for Vitality Blast end soon!
Early Bird tickets for this summer’s Vitality Blast will end soon and fans can save up to £5 per ticket in this window.
Tickets start from just £13 for the annual Family Fun Day fixture and £18 for all other games, while under 16s are only £5. But hurry, these prices have to end at midnight on 1 May.
