Dearden to quit Foxes
LEICESTERSHIRE have announced that Harry Dearden will leave the club at the end of the 2021 campaign.
The left-handed top order batsman joined the Running Foxes during the 2016 season and made 11 first-class appearances following a fruitful spell for the Club’s Second XI.
Dearden’s score of 132 at the top of the order against Yorkshire caught the eye of the coaching staff in Leicestershire.
The batsman’s form carried over into professional cricket with his career best 87 in first-class cricket coming in the draw against Glamorgan at Grace Road in 2017.
He made his white ball debuts in 2018, with his List A bow for the Running Foxes coming in the home victory against Durham.
His T20 debut followed two months later, where he earned the man-of-thematch award after a 40-ball 61 runs batting at six.
During his time in Leicestershire, Dearden has recorded a total of 2,318 runs for the Running Foxes in 77 appearances.
His highest score in all formats was an impressive 92-ball 91 in the home
List A victory over Worcestershire Rapids in 2019.
Dearden, 24, said: “What a six years it has been! From the sun-filled days in the middle to the hard winter days in the Indoor School, I’ve loved every minute. “While I am disappointed and gutted to be leaving the Foxes, I’ve made some great memories and friends along the way. I’ve also had the pleasure of playing with and against many great players.
“I’m looking forward to a new chapter now and can’t wait to get started and see what it brings for me. “To everyone who has helped me over the last six seasons, I thank you and I am forever grateful.
“I wish the club great success for the future and trophies aren’t very far away.”
Leicestershire CCC head coach Paul Nixon, below, said: “Harry is a fantastic young man who has the ability to be a good first-class cricketer.
“If he builds on his consistency then he definitely has a future in the game.
“We wish him all the very best moving forwards.” Leicestershire CCC chief executive Sean Jarvis said: “Harry has been a great professional at the club and we would like to thank him for his services.
“It’s always sad when a player leaves but that is the nature of sport. We, of course, wish Harry every success in his next chapter and he will always be welcome to return to the ground.”