Middlesex Cricket are delighted to announce that New Zealand pace bowler Holly Huddleston has re-signed for the club as Women's overseas player for the 2017 season.
Holly re-joins the club after a successful season with Middlesex in 2016 that saw her take 18 wickets across all formats at an average of 13.50, with her best match figures of 3 for 9 coming in the 50 over ECB Championship victory against Surrey. It wasn't only on the pitch that Middlesex saw the benefit of Holly's experience and quality however, with her work ethic and competitive attitude helping mould a number of young players both as a fellow player and as a coach.
It was this work ethic that saw Holly receive a deserved recall to the New Zealand set up for their autumn tour to South Africa, taking 10 wickets in the series. She went on to further cement her place as one of the leading new ball bowlers in the world during the 2016/17 Rose Bowl series between New Zealand and Australia with 11 wickets to her name across the ODI and T20 competitions.
Following the confirmation of her return Holly commented:
“I am very excited to be rejoining the Middlesex team again this year. They have been working hard over the winter with two new additions to the team, which shows the depth the squad is creating. Sanjay (Patel, 1st Team Coach) has been instrumental in helping me make selection back into the White Ferns and I am really looking forward to working with him again. The team are a great bunch of girls both on and off the field, which makes the games and training sessions highly enjoyable and entertaining”
Holly's return to Middlesex brings experience to the counties young and exciting seam attack and her knowledge of English conditions will no doubt prove invaluable to the team throughout the summer. Holly also brings her hard hitting and aggressive approach to batting to the side, further complimenting the squad of players that Middlesex Women's 1st Team Coach Sanjay Patel has been working with over the winter.
Commenting on Holly's return Sanjay emphasised the important role that Holly will play in the squad:
“Holly demonstrated last season her ability to influence matches with the ball and we are really pleased to be welcoming her back again. We have a young and exciting seam bowling unit and the knowledge that Holly has will be vital to our success as a group. Holly is a popular member of our squad who brings energy and effort to all that she does, she is a fantastic signing for us.”
Danni Warren, Middlesex Head of Women's Cricket, added:
“To be able to secure Holly's return reflects the feeling of commitment and purpose that Middlesex Cricket places at the core of all its sides. Holly bought in to our vision from day one and worked hard on and off the pitch to contribute towards this. We are really excited to have Holly back and are looking forward to her playing a central role over the summer, helping the team compete at the top end of both the 50 over and T20 leagues.”
Holly will be arriving in time for Middlesex Women's 1st Team's pre-season match verses Hampshire on Sunday 23rd, with the ECB Royal London County Championship kicking off the following weekend with a double header away at Lancashire and Yorkshire.
