YC joins County Champions

Date released: 29 September 2009

Durham-bound: Michael Richardson MCC Young Cricketer Michael Richardson has sealed a deal with County Champions Durham.

The young wicket-keeper batsman captained the YCs in 2009 - his second season at the Home of Cricket - and when he came up against his new employers in the Second Eleven Trophy he impressed with 60.

MCC Head Coach Mark Alleyne said: "Phil Mustard’s understudy at Durham - Lee Goddard - returned to Derbyshire and Durham wanted someone who they felt confident could cope with first-class cricket straightaway.

Alleyne: 'Compliment to Michael' "It’s a great compliment to Michael and reward for all the hard work he has put in. Going into a side full of fine players who are used to success should be an excellent introduction to the first-class game."

He is the son of former South African wicket-keeper batsman - and current ICC General Manager of Cricket and MCC World Cricket Committee member - Dave Richardson.

Richardson follows in the footsteps on Will Gidman who was a Young Cricketer between 2004 and 2006 and now plays for the Champions.