Published: 14/10/2009 12:38:38 | Modified: 14/10/2009 12:42:04
Author: Paul Bolton | All Contributors
Leics consider move for Tudor
Leicestershire are considering a move for former England fast bowler Alex Tudor if their brave bid to bring Matthew Hoggard to Grace Road fails.
Hoggard, who was controversially released by Yorkshire last week after talks stalled on a new contract at Headingley, is due to meet Leicestershire’s senior coach Tim Boon for talks.
But with expected competition from other counties for the 2005 Ashes-winning hero, Leicestershire are lining up Tudor as a possible alternative.
Tudor, 31, was released by Surrey at the end of the season and is now based in Nottingham. His details have been circulated to other counties and Leicestershire have expressed an early interest in talking to Tudor, though it is likely that any contract would have to be performance-related.
Ten years ago, Tudor made an unbeaten 99 as a nightwatchman for England against New Zealand at Edgbaston and he took five wickets in an innings against Australia in the Trent Bridge Test two years later.
But Tudor played the last of his ten Tests six years ago and has struggled to live up to his early promise in a career that has been blighted by injuries.
He spent three seasons with Essex before rejoining Surrey last year on an initial loan deal but took only four first-class wickets in as many matches in his final season at The Oval.
Surrey deferred a decision on Tudor’s future until the end of the season but have now decided not to offer him a new contract.
Leicestershire will consider giving Tudor the chance to resurrect his career with a third county but only if they fail to land Hoggard.