Glamorgan have added Middlesex bowler Harry Podmore to their seam attack after confirming a loan deal until the end of May.
The 21-year-old will join the Welsh county on April 4 and will be available for their first six County Championship matches of the season, starting against Leicestershire in Cardiff on April 17, as well as the Cardiff MCCU fixture the week before at SSE SWALEC.
The highly-rated youngster, who graduated from Middlesex’s academy, has yet to feature in first-class cricket, but has been lauded for his performances in List A and Twenty20 matches over the past two seasons.
Podmore claimed the wickets of Jesse Ryder and Ryan ten Doeschate on his debut in 2014, before claiming 3-13 against Gloucestershire at Lord’s a week later.
Glamorgan chief executive and director of cricket Hugh Morris feels Podmore will strengthen their bowling attack throughout the first part of the campaign.
“We have been aware of the progress Harry has made in recent seasons with Middlesex and his development work with the England fast bowling programme,” Morris said.
“He’s a bright, young fast bowling talent who will add depth to our seam bowling department, which is an area we identified needing strengthening.
“Harry will spend the first two months of the season with us before Ruaidhri Smith and Jack Murphy return to the club at the end of May following their University commitments.”
Podmore is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to gain experience in first-class cricket, adding: “I am really looking forward to joining Glamorgan for the opening two months of the season and am extremely grateful to both parties for giving me this great opportunity to help develop my career.
Loan signing @Harrypod23 available for 1st 6 Championship games & 2016 opener v @CardiffMCCU @TheSSESWALEC 11 April pic.twitter.com/FX8pvOYK78
— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) February 2, 2016
Middlessex’s managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said: “Harry is ready to get his teeth into first-class cricket and, with the fast bowling resources we currently have we do not see him starting in the first XI.
“The loan to Glamorgan to play first-class cricket in April and May will hopefully provide all three parties with what they are looking for. When not playing for Glamorgan first XI Harry can return to London to practice his white-ball skills, as we do see him featuring in our t20 and 50-over cricket.”
Source: ECB