George to return as Suffolk’s professional

December 11, 2023

GEORGE Rhodes says it is ‘a privilege to be able to represent the county’ after re-signing as Suffolk’s professional for next season.

Rhodes, who made an instant impact after joining the county mid-way through the 2022 campaign, said he was delighted to commit again to Suffolk for the 2024 season.

The 30-year-old scored two centuries and averaged 60.29 with the bat and claimed seven wickets at 19.57 in red-ball cricket last season.

He had a top score of 90 and averaged 38.40 with the bat as well as taking nine wickets at a cost of 14.1 each in the NCCA Trophy.

Rhodes said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of years playing for Suffolk, and everyone has made me feel so welcome.

“It’s a privilege to be able to represent the county and have the opportunity to continue building on some of the successes from last year.”

Suffolk finished third in the NCCA Championship after beating Buckinghamshire, who went on to win the play-off final, in their final match of the season at Copdock.

The ex-Worcestershire and Leicestershire all-rounder said: “We played some good cricket last year. The final Championship game of the year was one of the highlights of the season for me.

“Beating a quality side was an indicator of what we can do as a team, and evidence of the quality cricketers that we have at the county.

“Generally, I felt that last year was a nice progression for the players, and it’s important that we keep learning and improving to become more consistent.”

Rhodes, who missed Suffolk’s NCCA Trophy semi-final loss to Cumbria at Sudbury, believes Suffolk will taste success in the competition.

“One-day cricket suits us as a team, and the signs are there that we have every chance to win the NCCA Trophy in the future. I feel that I can be influential in experience and skill set to help us develop in one-day cricket.

“Although it was personally frustrating to miss out on the semi-final last year, I am confident that over time, and most importantly as a team, we will get to the final and win,” he said.

Looking ahead to next season Rhodes continued: “We are a growing team, and with that comes some inconsistency. With a bit more experience, we will improve our consistency. This will greatly enhance our chances of becoming a long-term successful team.

“In my view, many teams are capable of winning silverware when there are naturally a small number of fixtures in a competition. So, although I think silverware is achievable next year, I am more interested in us showing signs of growing to be more consistent, and hopefully I can play a part in that.”

Suffolk head coach Adam Mansfield said: “We are thrilled to retain George, who is a model professional both on and off the pitch.

“A huge performer with bat and ball, George will not only elevate our game but will also provide the team with the professionalism required to succeed at this level.

“His commitment to sharing knowledge with the younger players is invaluable, and this makes him a key signing for 2024.”

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