Gatting given fresh start at Hampshire

Joe Gatting, the 26-year-old batsman, has signed for Hampshire following his release by Sussex at the end of last season.

Gatting is the nephew of former England captain Mike Gatting and will hope to revive his career with a two-year deal at the Ageas Bowl having slipped away from the first XI in what proved his final season at Hove.

He only played four County Championship matches in 2013, scoring just 58 runs, following 10 matches in 2012 that yielded only one half-century.

Better things were expected of Gatting following his maiden Championship hundred at New Road in 2011, following 152 on his first-class debut in 2009 against Cambridge.

Hampshire will hope to extract more out of Gatting, who was on the books of Brighton and Hove Albion FC for three seasons until 2009. With Michael Carberry set to be on international duty more regularly next year, Hampshire were keen to bring in batting cover and also signed Will Smith from Durham.

"I am delighted to be joining such a fantastic club," Gatting said. "As soon as I heard Hampshire where interested in me it became clear that's where I wanted to play my cricket.

"I've heard and seen nothing but good things. I can't wait for the new chapter and fresh start at Hampshire and I can't wait to get started."

Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White added: "We expect to see less and less of Michael Carberry due to international commitments so Joe comes in to add depth to our batting.

"He has shown he is a talented batsman and an athletic fielder and we expect him to be a good addition to the squad as well; we hope he makes strides in fulfilling his potential over the next couple of years."