Spinner Dawson signs two-year county deal

SPINNER Richard Dawson has signed a two-year contract with Gloucestershire.

The 28-year-old former England man only joined the Bristol outfit a fortnight ago after being without a club since last summer, when he was released by Northamptonshire.

A one-day specialist, his solid performances with bat and ball in the past two Pro 40 League matches have helped the county to the top of the table.

"I'm really excited about the following two seasons at Gloucestershire and am looking forward to working with such a strong squad," said Dawson.

Gladiators team mentor Jack Russell said: "The players and support staff are absolutely delighted that Richard has joined us full time.

"Not only is he a high quality cricketer, but he is a quality person who fits the required attitude to help take this team forward."

Russell's side can steal a march on their rivals for the Pro 40 Division One title with victory at Worcestershire today (1.45pm).

Second placed Sussex, who are level on points but have an in inferior run rate, do not play in the competition again until September 11.

Alex Gidman returns to the Gladiators' squad after recovering from a calf strain but may struggle to find a way back into the XI after the thrilling midweek defeat of Middlesex.

Australian paceman Brendan Drew, who made his debut in that match after arriving on a short-term deal, gets another chance to impress.

Today's match represents a reunion for veteran seamer AJ Harris, who had a brief spell on loan at Nevil Road from Nottinghamshire in July and has now joined the Royals until the end of the season.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE (FROM): K. Ali, H. Marshall, M. Hardinges, A. Gidman, C. Taylor, S. Adshead (wkt), S. Snell, D. Brown, B. Drew, R. Dawson, J. Lewis (capt), S. Kirby, I. Saxelby

WORCESTERSHIRE (FROM): V. Solanki (capt), S. Davies (capt), S. Moore, B. Smith, G. Hick, D. Mitchell, M. Ali, G. Batty, G. Andrew, I. Arif, AJ Harris, C. Whelan.