Richard Gleeson signs initial T20 contract
Lancashire Cricket can announce that fast bowler Richard Gleeson has signed an initial T20 contract with the Club ahead of this year’s Vitality Blast competition.
Gleeson, 34, missed large parts of the last two seasons after suffering ongoing back issues which has led to the decision for the Blackpool-born quick to focus on white-ball cricket in the first instance this summer.
After making just one appearance for the Club during the 2020 season, Gleeson featured in two Blast matches last summer after suffering a re-occurrence of the injury and has since been undergoing rehabilitation with the Club’s Sports Science and Medical Department and training with the wider Lancashire squad throughout the winter. He will step up his workload next week as he is included in the Club’s squad for the Dubai pre-season tour.
After initially coming through Lancashire’s Academy system, Gleeson was later picked up by Northants after impressing in Minor Counties cricket with Cumberland.
He made his debut for the Red Rose in 2018, after joining on a three-year contract from Northants at the back end of the campaign.
Gleeson’s form for Lancashire during 2019 earned him an England Lions call-up and he was then part of England’s training group ahead of cricket’s return from COVID before suffering the first of his back problems later that summer.
Richard Gleeson said: “After a really frustrating couple of years with injury, I am pleased to sign a new contract with the Club, and I am looking forward to making an impact in T20 cricket this summer.
“I would like to thank all of the Club’s Medical Department for their ongoing support, hopefully this is the start of a return to full fitness and getting back on the park more regularly.
“It’s been a really positive winter so far and hopefully that continues on pre-season tour and into the start of the summer.”
Lancashire Head Coach, Glen Chapple added: “We are looking forward to having Richard available for us initially in the Vitality Blast and believe he can make an important contribution for us.
“He has had a tough time of it over the last 18 months but has worked hard with our Sports Science and Medical team to regain full fitness ahead of this year’s campaign.
“We know what he is capable of and we’re looking forward to having him as part of our T20 squad this year.”