Peter Handscomb Replaces Ajinkya Rahane In One Day Cup Squad

Leicestershire CCC and Australia star Peter Handscomb has extended his stay with the Foxes to feature in next month’s Metro Bank One Day Cup.

The 32-year-old has scored 809 runs for the Club so far this season, including 681 at an average of 45.4 in Division Two of the County Championship.

Handscomb made an immediate impression at Grace Road, hitting a hundred on debut during Leicestershire’s historic win at Headingley in April, while his defiant ton against table-toppers Durham earned a hard-fought draw last month.

The Australian international possesses an impressive List A record, scoring 3,856 runs at an average of 37.43 in his career to date, including four centuries.

That record encompasses 632 runs at 33.26 for his country, including a crucial 117 during Australia’s highest ever ODI run chase “ achieved during the four-wicket win over India at Mohali in March 2019.

Handscomb has previous experience of 50-over cricket in England, representing Middlesex in 2021, and Yorkshire in 2017, where he returned 504 runs at an average of 63.

He will be available for all eight group stage matches, starting with the trip to Surrey on 3 August, as well as any quarter or semi-final fixtures.

RAHANE TO TAKE BREAK:

Handscomb will replace Ajinkya Rahane, who was originally due to link up with the Foxes for the competition.

The former India captain’s June arrival date was pushed back to due to increased international commitments, with Rahane flying straight from the IPL to England for the World Test Championship final, before heading on India’s Test tour of the West Indies this month.

With those involvements previously not factored into his schedule, the 35-year-old has now expressed his desire to take a break from cricket during August and September “ meaning he will not feature for Leicestershire as planned.

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Firstly, we are fully understanding of Ajinkya’s situation. He has experienced a hectic schedule in recent months, both in India and travelling with the national team, and we accept his wishes to recover and spend some time with his family.

“We have been in constant communication with Ajinkya and accept how situations can change quickly in cricket. He is extremely grateful for our understanding and still hopes to play for Leicestershire one day.

“Thankfully, we had planned for a situation like this, and we are delighted Peter is staying on with the team. He brings many qualities alongside his batting and wicketkeeping, including strong leadership, which is a massive help to Lewis (Hill) and the rest of the guys in our changing room.”

To see Handscomb in action for the Foxes during the Metro Bank One Day Cup, buy tickets HERE.