CROMPTON Cricket Club has signed top Australian player Will Bosisto as its professional for the forthcoming Lancashire League campaign.
The 26-year-old, who has played state cricket for Western Australia and latterly South Australia and for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash, is no stranger at Glebe Street.
Bosisto, a number three batsman and right arm off-spin bowler, helped out last season when he was deputy professional for several matches.
Crompton had signed Indian Shubham Sharma as paid man for the 2019 season.
He arrived on the Friday and returned to India three days later after learning his mother had had a heart attack and was never seen again.
Cricket club secretary Stephen Wright admitted it was a challenging season unable to find a permanent replacement for Sharma and having to engage deputy pros for each match.
Wright is delighted with the capture of Bosisto who had played locally previously for Rochdale, where he was paid man.
“We got to know Will last season and he is a fantastic bloke who will fit in well,” he said.
Bosisto will also coach junior cricketers at Crompton.
“We are hoping he will have a massive influence on the kids and help make them better cricketers,” added Wright.
Indoor junior coaching begins at Crompton House School on Sunday, February 2 from 1.30pm-2.30pm.
It will be for the Under-9 to U15 teams with players welcome from the age of six and newcomers will be made welcome.
Senior indoor nets start on Thursday, February 13, between 6pm-7pm, at Total Cricket, Ashton, and again new players are invited.
Crompton have organised a sportsman’s dinner on Friday, April 24 with former Oldham Athletic striker Mick Quinn, who also played for Coventry, Portsmouth and Newcastle, the guest speaker and local comedian John Gillan also providing laughs.
Tickets priced £35 are available from the club.