Wicketkeeper Harry Duke has joined Essex on a two-week loan deal from Yorkshire ahead of the Vitality County Championship matches away to Durham and Somerset.
Duke, 22, has made the temporary switch from Yorkshire, whom he has represented in all formats since his debut in 2021. A specialist gloveman, he has 73 catches and four stumpings across 44 matches in red and white-ball cricket for the Headingley side.
Duke has also struck five half-centuries and two hundreds in all formats, totaling more than 1,100 runs. In January 2020, he was included in England’s Under-19 World Cup squad.
Ottis Gibson, Head Coach for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said: “Everyone at Yorkshire wishes him the best of luck. We have lots of talented players at YCCC, and it’s a great opportunity for Harry and good for the Club.”
Duke joins Essex alongside existing wicketkeepers Michael Pepper and Adam Rossington, both currently receiving treatment for finger injuries. Meanwhile, Jordan Cox is unable to keep wicket following his rehabilitation from a finger injury sustained during The Hundred last season.
Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath said: “We’re really happy to have added quality to the squad with the signing of Harry. By signing Harry, we’ve brought in a young, talented cricketer who possesses the ability to play at the top level, and we’re all looking forward to seeing him in an Essex shirt.”
