Jerome Taylor joins Gloucestershire on initial Kolpak deal
West Indies quick will strengthen Gloucestershire attack on return to Division One
ESPNcricinfo staff
11-Feb-2020
Jerome Taylor has been prolific for Somerset in the Vitality Blast • Getty Images
Gloucestershire have signed West Indies quick Jerome Taylor on a three-year deal. The 35-year-old will be registered for the 2020 season as a Kolpak player, but will fill one of the overseas slots from next year if the regulations change, as expected, due to Brexit.
Taylor, who has previously played for Leicestershire, Sussex and Somerset, will be available in all formats. The Jamaican last played for his country in 2018, and has a wealth of experience in competitions around the world. He joins Gloucestershire after they won promotion to Division One of the County Championship for the first time since 2005.
"Jerome is an exciting player who will add some pace and international experience to the bowling attack," Gloucestershire's head coach, Richard Dawson, said. "He can contribute in all formats so he will be a valuable addition to the squad.
"We played some very good cricket last season to get us into Division One and Jerome can help us to set a high standard in the field against some talented opposition."
Last week, the ECB confirmed to counties that Kolpak registrations are set to become invalid from 2021, when the UK's transition arrangements with the EU come to an end. The Professional Cricketers' Association has backed proposals for clubs to be able to sign two overseas players, rather than one, as is currently the case in the Championship and List A tournaments.
Rapid on his day, Taylor left his mark on England on his home ground in 2009, taking 5 for 11 to skittle the tourists for 51 at Sabina Park. In 46 Tests, he claimed 130 wickets at 34.46; he was also capped more than 100 times in limited-overs internationals, collecting a World T20 winners' medal when West Indies lifted the trophy in 2016.
In T20, he has featured at the Big Bash, Caribbean Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League, as well as in the Blast. Over the last two seasons with Somerset, he bagged 36 wickets at 21.69 with an economy of 9.20.
"I am very excited to be joining Gloucestershire and I am looking forward to meeting up with the players and the staff and getting underway," Taylor said. "I am grateful for the opportunity as I really enjoy playing county cricket and I am hopeful that my experience can help the Club on and off the field."