Gemaal Hussain Opts To Leave Gloucestershire

Gemaal Hussain Opts To Leave Gloucestershire

Gemaal Hussain has decided his future lies away from Gloucestershire

©Action Images / Ian Smith Livepic

Highly-rated 27-year-old fast bowler Gemaal Hussain has opted to follow fellow quick bowlers Anthony Ireland and Steve Kirby out of Gloucestershire.

He has been offered a new contract, but has decided to leave Bristol and it is understood he is in demand with a number of teams chasing his signature following an impressive 2010 season with the ball.

Having played just once in Championship cricket in 2009 after signing a two-year contract, he forced his way into the side earlier this year and went on to take 67 wickets at an average of just 22.34.

“I want to thank Gloucestershire for the chance they offered me to play and develop my game at first class level. The valued experience and the relationships I enjoyed with everyone at the club will always remain in my heart," Hussain told the club's website (www.gloscricket.co.uk)

“The guidance John Bracewell, Jack Russell and their support staff gave me helped me to progress and make the most of my opportunities.

“However, in order to progress further in the game, I feel I need to challenge myself by playing Division One cricket. I believe it will enable me to gain the experience and recognition necessary to be considered to play for England in the future.

“I am most grateful to Tom Richardson and everyone at Gloucestershire for being so understanding of my ambition. I wish the club and all their wonderful supporters every success for the future.”

Chief Executive Richardson added: “Unfortunately, Gemaal’s departure is the result of us failing to win promotion to the Championship First Division this summer.

“He sees playing at that level as part of a natural progression towards fulfilling his goal of playing for England.

“We had long discussions with him because we do not agree that playing in the First Division is essential to international selection.

“It will be interesting to see whether he is picked for the England Lions trip to West Indies during the winter because if he is it will be solely through his performances for Gloucestershire.

“We are particularly sad to see him go because of the time and effort our coaching staff have put into improving him as a player. But we understand his ambition and wish him nothing but the best in his future career.”

Prior to earning a contract with Gloucestershire, Hussain had played second-team cricket for Essex, Nottinghamshire, Sussex and Worcestershire.

The close season at Bristol has already seen Zimbabwean Ireland switch to Middlesex and Kirby join rivals Somerset.