Worcestershire CCC have signed promising left-arm seamer Ben Gibbon on a two-year contract – and the 21-year-old is delighted to swap working on a building site for the chance to develop as a professional cricketer at New Road.
After playing two four-day games for Worcestershire Seconds, Gibbon has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the 2023 season.
He becomes Worcestershire’s third new signing after Australian batsman Matthew Wade and former Warwickshire player Ed Pollock.
This summer, Chester-born Gibbon has been playing National Counties Championship cricket for Cheshire and was voted their Bowler Of The Year.
He returned 5-43 and scored 44 in his most recent appearance for Cheshire against Wiltshire at Alderley Edge.
Gibson, whose club side is Oulton Park CC, has also played Second Eleven cricket for Lancashire.
He played for Worcestershire Seconds in the friendly against Leicestershire at Stourport-on-Severn and the Second Eleven Championship match versus Yorkshire at Scarborough and is delighted to make the breakthrough into the professional game.
Gibbon said: “I’m delighted to sign for Worcestershire. I’ve been looking to sign a contract for a long time, and I’m delighted that the hard work has paid off.
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional cricketer for quite a few years, and I’ve had a good season, and I’m happy to be able to sign a first professional contract.
“I’m looking forward to joining up for the winter training this winter and working hard and having a good season next year.
“Obviously, I will probably start in the Seconds, try and do well, get my head down, and contribute to winning games for Worcestershire, whether it be first team or second 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.
“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.”
Gibbon added: “I’ve loved playing for Cheshire. It’s been a great experience, a level above club cricket and a step towards the first class game.
“I’ve also played a few games for Lancashire Seconds. I’ve been improving over the years and, now I’m 21, I’m really happy to have the chance to get going as a professional.
“Kadeer Ali got in touch with me after I had played for Lancashire Seconds and said he wanted to offer me two games for the Seconds against Leicestershire and Yorkshire.
“It was an opportunity for me to have a look at another county, and I’ve enjoyed playing for Worcestershire these last two games.”
Worcestershire Cricket Steering Group Chairman, Paul Pridgeon, confirmed: “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 (Head Coach) and Alan Richardson (Bowling Coach) are quite excited about him.
“They both watched him at various times in the game against Leicestershire at Stourport.”
