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Search forDawson clinches two-year Gloucestershire deal
Saturday, August 30, 2008, 08:00
Capped seven times by England, Dawson's future in the professional game was thrown into doubt when he was released by Northamptonshire earlier this summer.
Dawson, pictured, did some coaching at Gordonstoun School in Scotland before Gloucestershire decided to take him on trial until the end of the season, and an impressive spell of 2-29 in Wednesday's Pro40 success over Middlesex has helped convince the county he was worth a long-term deal.
Dawson said: "I am really excited about the following two seasons at Gloucestershire and I am looking forward to working with such a strong squad."
Gloucestershire team mentor Jack Russell said: "The players and support staff are delighted that Richard has joined us full-time. Not only is he a high quality cricketer, but is a quality person who fits the required attitude to help take this team forward."
Dawson is expected to play in today's Pro40 match with Worcestershire at New Road.
Gloucestershire go into the game on the back of three successive wins, at the top of the table and with a great chance to claim some silverware from an otherwise disappointing campaign.
The county will be without batsman Craig Spearman, who recently returned to action following the fractured cheekbone injury he suffered in a Twenty20 Cup match against Northants.
A Gloucestershire statement said of Spearman's absence from today's match: "This decision has been taken due to some remaining issues regarding his eye, that sustained a nasty injury earlier in the season.
"There is still some deficiency in Craig's vision that has been highlighted while playing in the last two games. We will be further evaluating this over the next few weeks."
Spearman's absence could mean a recall for Alex Gidman. The former England A captain has not played in the last couple of Pro40 matches following a loss of form.
Australian paceman Brendan Drew is set to play his second game for the county after being signed as short-term overseas replacement for Marcus North.
Worcestershire, last season's champions, find themselves battling against relegation and hit by injuries, which have deprived them of key bowlers Kabir Ali and Simon Jones.
But the hosts still possess one of the strongest batting units in county cricket, as they showed in tying with Somerset's 298-6 on Thursday.
Gloucestershire (from): K Ali, Marshall, Hardinges, Gidman, Taylor, Brown, Adshead, Drew, Dawson, Lewis, Kirby, Snell, Saxelby.
Worcestershire (from): Solanki, Davies, Moore, Smith, Hick, Mitchell, M Ali, Batty, Andrew, Arif, Harris, Whelan.
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