Hampshire announce 2024 all-rounder contract
By Connor Steel
HAMPSHIRE CRICKET have confirmed that all-rounder Felix Organ has signed a new contract at the Ageas Bowl following an impressive campaign; the twenty-three year old committing his future to the county until at least the conclusion of 2024 as he looks to support his teammates in pursuit of further domestic cricket titles.
Having been born in Australia the youngster impressed across all levels of Hampshire Academy before being called up to the first eleven in early September 2017. Shortly afterwards he marked his official debut in a rain affected match versus Middlesex; not bowling a single delivery and making a 16 run contribution with the bat.
Since his debut Organ has made fifty-five appearances for Hampshire, with two of these years badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of these appearances have come in the red ball County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup, although he did play in many Twenty-20 games during the 2020 Vitality Blast.
But it was in the 2022 campaign where the all-rounder began to show an experience with bat and ball across two competitions; excelling after being moved to a top-order batting position as a mainstay. In 14 matches he scored 726 runs at an average of 31.57 and took 10 wickets using off-spin bowling through this long season.
He further scored two individual centuries in the 2022 red ball competition including a career best of 118 runs versus Gloucestershire at Cheltenham in July; setting up a comfortable six wicket victory. Organ did not miss any action in the County Championship last campaign as Hampshire were pipped to the title by rivals Surrey.
Organ then showed his dynamic skill in leadership during last year’s successful Royal London One-Day Cup season, leading a youthful side to a narrow semi-final defeat against Kent in August. He scored 140 runs and took five wickets through the competition including a valiant half century knock during the last four encounter.
The all-rounder was delighted at his new contract as he spoke to media platforms earlier in the week, saying: “Playing for Hampshire (Cricket) has been my whole life, so to be able to extend this journey means so much to me. From my development through the world-class Academy to being in the first-team set-ups now, I have been privileged to be a part of a club that cares about its players across all its age-groups (on / off the field).”
He also expressed fresh hopes for the new campaign, adding: “After our encouraging and successful season last year, we are now working towards growing and developing even further to secure even more success for this great Club. Hopefully we can win some further trophies in that time, and I can be a part of that (in 2023).”
Director of Cricket Giles White further said: “Felix is a versatile cricketer and infectious character who adds in equal measure both on and off the pitch. It has been great to see his development through our Academy and into the senior side and we are delighted that he will remain at The Ageas Bowl for (a long) time to come. His game continues to develop, and we do look forward to seeing him build on his encouraging 2022 campaign.”
Supporters can visit the Hampshire Cricket website for further information and reaction to this story; the club also releasing details on their 2023 Membership Scheme as they prepare for the upcoming campaign (April).
PICTURED BY ALAMY (2J8G4YR): Felix Organ bowls at the Ageas Bowl last year as home side take on the Sri Lanka Development XI from Southampton; which built the platform for a great summer by the all-rounder.
