Somerset are delighted to announce that they have signed all rounder Jim Allenby from Glamorgan on a permanent contract.
The 32 year old who was born in Western Australia, but is England qualified, is a proven performer. In First Class cricket he averages over 40 with the bat and has taken 254 wickets at 25.79 runs each in the 121 games he has played. In 2013 he scored over 1000 runs and took 26 wickets, while last season he scored 969 runs and took 54 wickets in the LV= County Championship.
Jim Allenby also has an impressive record in One-Day cricket and in his 95 List A matches he averages 26.20 with the bat and 31.85 with the ball, while in T20 cricket he has scored 2500 runs at 32.09 and claimed 52 wickets at 32.40.
He began his First Class career with Leicestershire where he played between 2006 and 2009, when he moved onto Glamorgan, where he has consistently finished near the top of both the batting and bowling averages.
Somerset Director of Cricket, Matt Maynard said: “I am delighted that Jim is joining us. Not only is he an outstanding player in all formats, he is a great bloke and a strong character and I am sure he will play a key part in helping us to build a cohesive and successful team.”
“Whilst not a like for like replacement for Nick Compton, there is no doubt in my mind that Jim is a superb acquisition to a very talented Somerset squad.”
Jim Allenby said: “I am delighted to be joining Somerset which is a Club I hold in extremely high regard. My aspirations are to win trophies and I am really looking forward to helping Somerset strive to achieve that objective.”
In parallel, Somerset’s Craig Meschede will be joining Glamorgan on loan for the whole of the 2015 season.
The 22 year old all rounder who came through the Academy and made his senior debut in 2011 had limited opportunities at the County Ground last summer and is joining Glamorgan for 2015 with a view to him being able to play more first team cricket.
Somerset Director of Cricket, Matt Maynard said: “Craig has been brilliant in recognising that a loan to Glamorgan will enable him to play more first team matches than was likely at Somerset next season.”
“The maturity and enthusiasm which he has displayed since I raised the possibility of a loan move with him has been heartening and I am sure he will grow in stature and experience during the 2015 season.”
Craig Meschede said: “Whilst it will be tough to leave Somerset albeit on loan, I am relishing the opportunity of developing my skills as a professional cricketer and I am really looking forward to the challenges and excitement of joining Glamorgan for the season.”
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Spencer Bishop on 01823 425316 or email spencerb@somersetcountycc.co.uk