Record wicket taker Rushworth makes move to Edgbaston

Warwickshire has moved to strengthen the bowling attack for next season with the signing of Durham’s all-time leading wicket taker Chris Rushworth.

Rushworth, who took his 600th first class wicket this season, joins on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year depending on performances.

Until now the right arm fast-medium pacer has been a one-club man during a career in the north east that’s seen him claim 821 scalps across all formats.

The 36-year-old – a former Professional Cricketers’ Association Player of the Season – took 34 wickets this summer during his landmark County Championship season. And Head Coach Mark Robinson said he’s keen to reach more milestones at Edgbaston.

“I’m delighted Rushy has chosen us to join us,” said Robinson. “He’s keen to make a fresh start, hungry to succeed and will give us some real quality and obvious experience which at times we lacked last year.

“With the injuries we had last season our depth of bowling couldn’t cope so it’s important we are able to add some more quality and deepen our resources.

“He’s a wicket taker, make no mistake. He has 603 first class wickets to his name and he has told me he wants to come because he wants to win another County Championship before he retires which is exactly the language you want to hear.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming him to Edgbaston.”

Rushworth has first class career stats of 603 wickets at an average of 22.61. Durham Cricket Chairman, Sir Ian Botham, described Rushworth as “one of the best seam bowlers to grace the game in this country”.

And Durham’s Director of Cricket Marcus North, said “Chris is an example to all young cricketers of what you can achieve when you combine talent with hard work and perseverance.”