‘Local lad’ Luke Fletcher to leave Nottinghamshire after 17 years

LONDON: Nottinghamshire stalwart Luke Fletcher will leave the club at the end of the season after 17 years at Trent Bridge.

The seamer, who made his senior debut in 2008 and has gone on to win five major titles, will depart with over 600 wickets to his name across formats.The 35-year-old, who once worked on the gates at Trent Bridge during a brief hiatus early in his playing career, was part of the County Championship winning side in 2010 and also claimed two T20 Blast titles and two One-Day Cups.

“For a local lad to represent this club is an honour, and I never could have expected the career I’ve had,” Fletcher said.“My overwhelming feeling now is how grateful I am for all the years I’ve spent with Notts and the memories I have made along the way. Trent Bridge feels like home, it always has done, and it always will do.”

Director of cricket Mick Newell paid tribute to the veteran, adding: “He has given his heart and soul to this club. It says a great deal that Stuart Broad – who played with some of the greatest players of his generation – deems Fletch one of ‘the best team-mates you could ever have’.“We wish him all the best wherever he goes, and whatever he does – he will always get a warm welcome and special reception at Trent Bridge.”