Ireland'sYoung signs contract with Hampshire

Craig Young will join Hampshire on a short-term loan to ease their current injury crisis.

The 26 year-old is under contract to Cricket Ireland, but they have agreed to release the opening bowler on a short-term agreement and he will play for the English side in a county second XI championship game against Somerset next week.

“Craig will continue his progression as one of Ireland’s front-line bowlers after a very good spell especially over the last 12 months,” said Cricket Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell.

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“With the North-West Warriors not having any championship cricket until late May and Ireland not in action until June, we feel the timing is ideal for Craig, and hope he can aid Hampshire’s significant injury problems.”

Young was previously on the books of Sussex before gaining a full-time contract with Ireland,” and is relishing a chance to showcase his talent at Hampshire.

“The request has come from completely left field but it’s great to be given a chance, which hopefully I can grab with both hands,” said Young.

“I’m never one to look too far ahead so I’ll not put too much pressure on myself.

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“Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White phoned me earlier and it was nice to chat with him and make a plan going forward.

“I will have to manage my work-load a little as I’ve not yet bowled outdoors since the World T20 in India but I know my body and what I have to do to get myself ready.

“I can’t wait to get going against Somerset next week.”

Young has won 31 caps for Ireland taking 58 wickets at an average of just 22.83, including a five wicket haul on his one-day international debut against Scotland in 2014.