Fazakerley to join up with Guernsey

Leicestershire CCC have allowed young all-rounder Will Fazakerley to join up with Guernsey for some important fixtures in late August and early September.

Guernsey face an inter-insular 50-over game against Jersey on Saturday, August 26 before the squad travel to South Africa as they look to gain promotion from ICC World Cricket League Division Five from September 3 to 9.

The 19-year-old has made a big impression in his first full season at the club. Fazakerley recently made his first-class debut for Leicestershire at Sussex and signed a new contract at the club earlier this year.

Despite making his breakthrough into the First XI last month, the Foxes recognise that this is both a great opportunity for Fazakerley and an important period of matches for Guernsey.

Leicestershire CCC Head Coach Pierre de Bruyn said: “Will is a talented all-rounder who has made great progress with us this season. He has a big role to play here in the coming years.

“But Guernsey approached us recently about his potential availability and, having weighed everything up, we think it will be good for Will, Guernsey and ourselves that he has this experience. We have also given Will permission to play in the 50-over game against Jersey before they travel.

“Will has the chance to play lots of competitive fixtures, he has an important role in Guernsey’s side with both bat and ball, and travelling abroad to experience new conditions will also be good for his continuing development. We wish Will and Guernsey well.”

Guernsey are one of three teams to qualify for the ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament from previous World Cricket League events alongside Italy and Jersey.

The five regional qualifiers are Vanuatu (East Asia Pacific), Cayman Islands (Americas), Ghana (Africa), Qatar (Asia) and Germany (Europe). Games will be played in Benoni, just outside South Africa's capital city, Johannesburg.

* Thanks to John Mallett for the photo of Will Fazakerley batting at Arundel earlier this month.