Glamorgan seal permanent move for Meschede

Glamorgan have signed Craig Meschede from Somerset on a permanent deal after he was released from his contract at Taunton.

He has signed a three-year deal and will report for pre-season training this week.

An allrounder and product of the Somerset academy, Meschede spent the 2015 season on loan at Glamorgan and quickly becoming an integral member of the side in all formats.

He joined Glamorgan in a swop deal with Jim Allenby, who immediately joined Somerset on a three-year deal, with no suggestion at the time that Meschede's move to South Wales would become permanent.

He hit his maiden century against Surrey at Cardiff, followed up with another against Northamptonshire at the SWALEC Stadium and his displays of clean-hitting prompted his elevation to open the batting during NatWest T20 Blast games.

Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris was keen to recruit Meschede on a permanent basis and concluded negotiation with the Somerset management team on Monday.

"Craig played an important role in our team last season and although we were keen to keep him, any deal relied on Somerset's sanction as he had a year to run on his contract," said Morris.

"We're delighted to have got the deal over the line and believe that we've signed a player who adds a lot to the side and also has the potential to develop further."

Meschede, 24, has taken 92 wickets in 45 first class matches while maintaining a batting average of 24.29.

Meschede said: "This has been a tough decision as Somerset has been a massive part of my life. I'd like to thank Somerset for the last eight years. It has been an absolute honour and pleasure to represent the club.

"Glamorgan is the best opportunity for my cricket at this stage in my career. I really enjoyed my time at the club last year so I look forward to returning on a full-time basis."