Cricket
Worcestershire snap up Aussie gloveman Johnson

Buy photos » Michael Johnson will compete with Ben Cox to be first choice wicketkeeper next season. Picture by Paul Kane/Getty Images.

FORMER Australia under 19 wicketkeeper Michael Johnson will compete with Ben Cox for the gloves next season after signing for Worcestershire.

Johnson, 24, made his debut for Western Australia in 2009 and has so far claimed 34 catches and two stumpings in his ten First Class appearances. Last season the dual-passport holder kept wicket for Kent Second XI.

He has been drafted in to provide competition for the Pears' young gloveman Cox after Ben Scott was released by Worcestershire last season ahead of his retirement from the game.

Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Michael comes to New Road as a ready-made first team player, having served his apprenticeship with Western Australia as a contracted player from a young age. At 24 he has plenty of years ahead of him."

He also brings captaincy experience and run scoring ability from playing grade cricket for the successful Scarborough CC in the WACA grade competition. I am looking forward with interest to the healthy scrap for the gloves with Ben Cox."

Johnson said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to play for Worcestershire and could not wait to link up with the squad next month.

"I am very much looking forward to working closely with Steve Rhodes and the rest of the squad. I hope to be a part of the developing team that brings success to New Road," he added.

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