Worcestershire sign up Ben Gibbon ahead of 2022 season

The 21-year-old left-arm seamer has agreed to a two-year deal after only a handful of 2nd XI outings

Worcestershire have announced the signing of left-arm seamer Ben Gibbon on a two-year contract, following two four-day games for their 2nd XI.

The 21-year-old made his bow in a friendly against Leicestershire before coming into the 2nd XI Championship side versus Yorkshire and impressed sufficiently as to be rewarded with a deal by the Pears.

“I’m looking forward to joining up for the winter training this winter and working hard and having a good season next year," said Gibbon.

“Obviously, I will probably start in the 2nds, try and do well, get my head down, and contribute to winning games for Worcestershire, whether it be first team or 2nd team.

“Hopefully, the opportunity is there over the next two years. I’ve got to work hard as I possibly can and keep taking wickets.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙚𝙣 𝙂𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙤𝙣 💥#WeAreWorcestershire🍐 https://t.co/suwTRwBEem pic.twitter.com/22FQF7OigE

— Worcestershire County Cricket Club (@WorcsCCC) September 20, 2021

Gibbon has spent his summer playing for Cheshire in the Minor Counties Championship, where he was voted bowler of the year, and took 5 for 44 in his most recent appearance for them. He has also turned out for the Lancashire 2nd XI this season, appearing against Durham at Jesmond.

The seamer has had to make his way grafting on building sites while attempting to earn a county contract and is grateful that Worcestershire have given him the opportunity to trade in the manual labour. 

“I’ve been earning a living working on construction sites doing the building work. It is hard graft, and I’m happy not to have to do it anymore.

“Every time I was at work, I was thinking ‘I’d much rather be a professional cricketer’. That was always my aim, and I want to make the most of this opportunity.”

Steering Group chairman Paul Pridgeon added: “Ben has signed a two-year contract, has a lot of potential and is one for the future.

“He brings something different to our group of bowlers in being a left armer, and I know Alex Gidman and Alan Richardson are quite excited about him.

Gibbon becomes Worcestershire’s third signing ahead of the 2022 season, following the impending arrivals of opener Ed Pollock from Warwickshire and Australian Matthew Wade.