Luke Charlesworth signs rookie deal
3 March 2022
Gloucestershire Cricket is pleased to announce Luke Charlesworth has signed a three-year rookie contract with the Club.
Younger brother to Gloucestershire’s opening batter Ben Charlesworth, Luke will travel with the first team squad to Dubai as part of preparation for the 2022 season.
Speaking on his rookie contract, Charlesworth said:
“I’m delighted to be signing with Gloucestershire, it is such an amazing club that has helped me develop for a number of years already, so to receive the news was a real dream come true. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity to grow as a cricketer and a person over the next three years.
“It has been really exciting to train with the lads and learn from top quality coaching staff. We have such a talented squad here and there’s so much experience for me to feed off and advice to take on board.”
The bowler from Oxford has been part of the Club’s Talent Pathway for a number of years and made his Second XI debut in 2019 at just 16 years of age, taking 2/49 against Kent Second XI at Bath CC.
Last season, Charlesworth featured four times for Gloucestershire’s Second XI, taking five wickets at an average of 24.00. His standout performance came against Warwickshire at Rockhampton where the right-arm medium-fast bowler took 3/27 in the first innings.
Charlesworth will train and play with The Shire whilst also studying at Exeter University where he is currently in his first year.
The youngster aims to make an impression on the coaching staff with eyes on a Gloucestershire debut in the near future.
“I’m hoping to put in some good performances in the Second XI and hopefully press for a spot in the first team,” he said. “It would be awesome to see the Club win some trophies and if I could play a part in that it would be an incredible feeling.
“For me, the next rung on the ladder is helping whichever squad I’m in win matches, but making my professional debut for Glos is definitely something I’m striving to achieve.”
Head of Talent Pathway, Tim Hancock said:
“Luke is a fine young cricketer with plenty of potential. He is a player who can influence the outcome of matches, particularly with his bowling.
“He will certainly benefit from training with the first team squad and with more experience of playing with the Second XI, we hope he can continue to improve and expand his skillset.”
Charlesworth is the second player to be handed a rookie contract at Gloucestershire following Will Naish who joined up with the squad at the beginning of the year.
He and brother Ben become the third set of brothers on the Gloucestershire playing squad following the Taylors, Jack and Matt, and the Prices, Tom and Ollie.
