Glamorgan delight at sealing Murray Goodwin deal

GLAMORGAN believe they have signed an excellent role model for the county's younger batsman after agreeing a deal with Zimbabwean international Murray Goodwin.

The 39-year-old has penned an initial one-year contract with the Welsh county after ending a 12-year stay at Sussex.

A player with huge amounts of county experience, Goodwin scored more than 24,000 first-class runs, including three triple centuries, while at Hove.

And Glamorgan's head of elite performance Matthew Mott believes he will contribute both on and off the field at the Swalec Stadium.

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"We're delighted to sign Murray Goodwin as he will strengthen the batting line-up and has plenty to offer to benefit our batting group," said Mott.

"Murray has played the best part of his career at Sussex and had a massive effect on Sussex cricket, so we can't wait to have him in the squad.

"He is a really good role model with plenty of first division experience and it is evident from our recent discussions that he still has a real determination to succeed.

"These are characteristics that we are looking to develop within our squad."

Born in Harare, Goodwin began his first-class career with Western Australia. He played 19 Tests for Zimbabwe, the last 12 years ago.

He scored 48 centuries in all for Sussex, averaging 49.24 in first-class competition and holds the county's record for the highest innings — 344 not out against Somerset three years ago.

There will be question marks raised as to why Glamorgan are signing a 39-year-old batsman, especially as Goodwin struggled in first-class cricket last summer, averaging just 16.

However, Glamorgan's top order consistently failed to fire in 2012 and any arrival to bolster resources will be welcomed by Mott and his coaching team.

"I am really pleased to be continuing my cricket career with Glamorgan and look forward to joining up with the players and staff," he said.

"I have had lengthy conversations with Matthew Mott and am aware of the challenges the team faced last year and the hard work that lies ahead of us, but I am determined to help bring success back to the club.

"I feel I still have a lot to offer in all formats of the game."

As well as Goodwin, Aussie seamer Michael Hogan is also coming on board next season, while the club's overseas signing will again be Marcus North.

The county have also renewed contracts with John Glover, Huw Waters, Andrew Salter, Mike Reed, Stewart Walters and Ben Wright with England Lions seamer James Harris moving on.

Meanwhile, Glamorgan's Swalec Stadium will have a global audience when it hosts next year's Champions Trophy.

Cardiff has been chosen as one of three grounds for next summer's tournament and will host five matches in all — four group games and a semi-final.

"The tournament will have a massive global audience. It will give Glamorgan a massive profile," said tournament director Steve Elworthy at the official launch of the tournament in London this week.

"If you consider Cardiff will stage the opening game between South Africa and India, the exposure it is going to have is going to be far reaching."