Hampshire sign Wheal to new contract

By Connor Steel

HAMPSHIRE CRICKET has confirmed that bowler Brad Wheal has signed a contract extension with the county, committing him to play at the Ageas Bowl until at least 2023 following impressive performances this campaign.

The fast bowler joined from South Africa in 2015 and has proved a key player in the Hawk’s Twenty-20 run to finals day at Edgbaston back in mid-September; taking seventeen wickets in just 13 appearances before the Somerset loss.

He took a further 34 wickets at an average of 25.94 in the County Championship and contributed several important lower order batting knocks, scoring 181 runs at an average of 18.1 as Hampshire narrowly lost out on the title race in their final match.

Wheal also enjoyed a spell with London Spirit as part of the first ever Hundred competition, taking nine wickets in just three appearances. These performances saw him named in the T20 World Cup squad for Scotland, having taken 28 dismissals in 19 white-ball appearances prior to the competition held in Dubai.

Wheal has taken five wickets from five games in the World Cup, including 3-24 in the clash versus Bangladesh that has propelled Scotland into the Super 12 stage. Although unlikely they have a chance of reaching the semi finals if they beat India, New Zealand and Pakistan, needing other results to go their way in group 2 with one week left.

Commenting on securing Wheal’s services until 2023, Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, said: “Brad has become an integral part of the team across all formats. He’s very popular; gives his all for the team and is calm under pressure. “This year has been an excellent one for Brad and if he continues his progress he has a very exciting future ahead of him.”

PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE CRICKET: Wheal celebrates taking a wicket in Hawks’ Twenty-20 campaign this summer.