Northamptonshire sign Ollie Sale from Somerset

Northamptonshire have signed fast bowler Ollie Sale from Somerset. Sale, 26, has agreed a two-year contract.

Northants announced earlier in the week that they had released seamers Nathan Buck and Brandon Glover, with Sale targeted as a player who can strengthen the squad in all three formats.

A tall right-armer, Sale came through the Somerset academy but has struggled with injuries. He required surgery on his back in 2015, making his senior T20 debut the following summer, but was then kept on the sidelines until finishing as the club's leading wicket-taker in the 2020 Vitality Blast.

"Ollie has a very, very high potential." John Sadler, Northants head coach, said. "He brings real pace and he's had success in white-ball cricket so far. That's where his immediate strengths lie but we see him playing all formats for us moving forward too.

"He's at the time of his career now where he felt a move would be good. What he offers feels like a great fit for us right now and he's someone we're really excited to get to work with."

Sale missed all of the 2021 season after undergoing double shoulder surgery but returned to fitness this summer, making his List A debut during the Royal London Cup. He has also averaged 17.40 with the red ball in the 2nd XI Championship.

"I'm hugely excited to be joining Northamptonshire at what seems to be a really promising time for the club," Sale said. "When I spoke with John Sadler, he talked me through his vision for the club and the role he sees me fulfilling in the squad and I knew it was a brilliant opportunity for me to join an increasingly strong Northamptonshire team on the rise.

"I can't wait to get going with the boys this winter and hopefully build up to a successful season next year."

Northamptonshire are currently fifth in Division One of the Championship and virtually assured of a place in the top tier next season. As well as the departure of Buck and Glover, the club have let go batters Ben Curran and Charlie Thurston.