Leicestershire Sign Peter Handscomb On Two-Year Deal

Leicestershire CCC is thrilled to announce the signing of Australian international Peter Handscomb on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old will return to play in all three formats after enjoying a spectacular maiden season at Uptonsteel County Ground, scoring 1,202 runs and taking 48 catches during the 2023 summer.

Handscomb immediately won the hearts of the Leicestershire faithful, scoring a debut hundred and registering an unbeaten 68 in the second innings as the Foxes chased down 389 to claim a historic win in the season opener at Yorkshire “ the Club’s first in first-class cricket at Headingley since 1910.

In total, the Australian star recorded 681 runs at an average of 45.4 in Division Two of the County Championship, topped by his game-saving 136 not out against Durham at Uptonsteel County Ground in June.

Handscomb’s copious run-scoring extended into the Metro Bank One Day Cup, where his mighty 401 runs at an average of 57.29 has helped Leicestershire reach the final of a List A competition for the first time in 22 years.

With five half-centuries from eight group stage matches and a match-clinching 49 not out in the semi-final, he leads the scoring charts for the Foxes ahead of this month’s meeting with Hampshire at Trent Bridge.

Unfortunately, due to commitments as captain of Victoria, whose season starts later this month, he is unable to feature in the final.

Speaking about his new deal with Leicestershire, Handscomb said: “I wanted to come back because the group is so together. The whole feel around the club on and off the field is really nice, so I want to continue to be part of that.

“We started the season on a massive high and the way the group has been able to maintain that form has been very impressive. It’s been a whole squad effort, with a lot of belief that everyone in the team has the ability to get us over the line.

“It’s always nice to make runs, but it’s even more satisfying to be able to contribute to wins. We’ve done some great work this year and I’m excited to be able to build on that in the next couple of seasons.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “We are delighted Pete has committed his future to Leicestershire for the next two years.

“He has fitted in seamlessly to the group and his standards as a professional have been a great example to everyone. As well as the consistency of his performances, his leadership off the pitch has been invaluable, and he will be a key figure in our squad moving forward.”