Franklin signs Glamorgan deal

James Franklin, the New Zealand allrounder, has officially signed his contract with Glamorgan as their overseas player, proving his fitness after undergoing a week of fitness training and medical examinations.

Franklin, who arrived in Cardiff in the third week of May, was a doubtful starter due to cartilage damage in his knee. County regulations required that he undergo a fitness test before signing the deal, and Mike Fatkin, Glamorgan's chief executive, confirmed Franklin's availability.

"James has had minimal reaction to the fitness and bowling work he's done and is desperately keen to play," Fatkin told glamorgancricket.com. "At this stage, we are advised that he can play and should be available for the remainder of the summer. But we will need to manage him carefully".

Franklin, who toured South Africa for the Test series, originally withdrew his contract after undergoing a knee scan in South Africa. However, the scans revealed only minor damages and he resumed negotiations with Glamorgan after consulting two specialists in New Zealand. He was grateful to the county for their patience in this matter.

"I'm delighted that the club has been persuaded about my fitness," he said. "Although I've been confident all along that I was going to be okay, I understand the importance to the club of getting everything thoroughly checked out."

Franklin is expected to make his debut in the C&G Trophy match against Gloucestershire at Bristol on Sunday.