Adam Wheater makes surprise loan move to Essex

30 August 2016 02:53

Hampshire have allowed wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Wheater to make a surprise one-month loan move to former club Essex.

The 26-year-old swapped Chelmsford for the Ageas Bowl in March 2013 in a bid to further his career as a keeper after falling down the pecking order behind former England gloveman James Foster and Ben Foakes, who now plays for Surrey.

Wheater signed a three-year contract extension at Hampshire in 2014 but, having hit 802 runs at an average of 47.17 in 12 Specsavers County Championship Division One matches as a specialist batsman this term, has returned to his first county for the final three matches of their promotion push to the top flight.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: "Adam has performed well for us this season.

"However, given the lack of opportunity as wicketkeeper he would like to explore other options and has therefore decided to join Essex on loan for the remainder of this season."

Wheater, set to be behind 36-year-old Foster again, said: "I'm looking forward to joining up with the guys at Essex for the final few weeks of this year's four-day competition.

"This is a good opportunity for me to continue to grow as a player and I'm grateful to Hampshire and Essex for allowing me the chance to do so."

Source: PA