Michael Richardson becomes the sixth player to extend their Durham County Cricket Club contract this winter, by signing an extension up until the end of the 2014 season.
The 26 year old signed for Durham in late 2009 and made his debut soon after in the 2010 season opener against Durham MCCU. Michael ended that season as one of the top run scorers in the 2nd XI, averaging an impressive 70.
Michael made several first team appearances in 2011 and proved a highly dependable deputy behind the stumps for Phil Mustard, Michael’s season highlight was a score of 73* against local rivals Yorkshire in the LV=CC.
As the main 2nd XI wicketkeeper at the start 2012, it was with the bat that Michael impressed, with three centuries. This impressive form saw Michael force his way into the first team as a number three batsmen outright, notching a vital half century in the final game of the season at home to Sussex.
Michael is currently working with Durham LV=CC partner, Brewin Dolphin, through the winter and he will be back with the squad in early 2013, which will be a huge year for the Club, being Durham’s 21st season as a first class county.
Michael caught up with durhamccc.co.uk after signing his new contract:
“I’m really looking forward to next year and proud to have extended my stay with Durham. I’ve been working with Brewin Dolphin over the winter, which has been great exposure to life after cricket, but I’ve also managed to keep up with my winter training schedule ahead of the New Year and have been getting some good and specific preparation in ahead of the new season.”
“I’ll be meeting up again with the squad full time in January. I got my place in the first team towards the end of last season and that’s where I would like to start come April. It feels like next summer, 2013, is going to be a crucial year for me and the Club and hopefully we can win a trophy to really top it off.”