News - Vitae Sports

VITAE SPORTS NEWS UPDATE

Malibongwe Maketa - South Africa Head Coach
Alan Richardson - Worcestershire Head Coach
Jim Troughton - Surrey and England Lions Coach
Emma Lamb - Awarded England Central Contract
Azhar Ali - leading Quaid-e-Azam Trophy averages with 96.66

It has been another big week at Vitae Sports with coach Malibongwe Maketa making headline news being named as South Africa's interim Head Coach. Also hitting the domestic headlines, Alan Richardson has taken over the reigns at Worcestershire while Jim Troughton has been named permanent Surrey coach and along with Somerset's Paul Tweddle has been selected for the England Lions tour. Emma Lamb has been rewarded for another superb year with an ECB Central Contract and Azhar Ali is on top form once again leading the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy batting averages with a brilliant 96.66.

Sussex secure signing of World Cup star Rizwan

NEW SIGNING...we are delighted to announce Vitae Sports/Saya Corps star Mohammad Rizwan has signed as Sussex CCC overseas player for 2022! Congratulations Riz, look forward to seeing you in action this summer! Rizwan said: “Dear Sussex Family, assalamu alaikum. I am absolutely honoured and excited to be a part of the historic Sussex County Cricket Club for the 2022 season. I have always heard great things about the Sussex community and this family club was always close to my heart. “In my heart, I know our young team has the potential to beat any team. Our strength lies in our hard work, honesty, deep commitment, and self-belief: we can win, we will win, and we will play like champions, no matter what! In shaa Allah, I look forward to a great season.”

Pop links up with Hampshire after glittering year

Vitae Sports would like to announce Graeme Welch has joined Hampshire as their new bowling coach. Welch moves to the Ageas Bowl after a successful stint as Warwickshire bowling coach where he won the County Championship this year in addition to winning The Hundred with Southern Brave. Graeme said: "I really appreciate the help and support from Darren and the team. Vitae Sports have been invaluable to me not just in creating opportunities but in advising my career and always being there for me."

VItae legend Jeetan Patel named England coach

Former New Zealand and Warwickshire player Jeetan Patel has been announced as the new England spin bowling coach. Jeetan has been working with the England coaching set-up as a consultant but was this week named the full-time coach. Vitae's owner Darren Long said: "It is a great accolade and well deserved for Jeets. It is quite an achievement for someone who only retired from playing last year but shows how highly his coaching is rated world-wide. "He will be the perfect man for the job and a great asset to the England coaching set-up."

Sussex skipper Ben Brown signs new three year deal

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce we have agreed a new three year contract for Sussex captain Ben Brown to remain at the club. Ben will be staying at The 1st Central County Ground until at least the end of the 2023 season. The 31-year-old said: ““I’m delighted to be committing to the club for the next few years, which I’m hoping can be the best of my career so far. I’m looking forward to pushing myself to make sure that they are, and I’m excited about the challenges ahead. “I’ve loved captaining the side over the last two years and hopefully I can continue to do that for many seasons to come, as well as play my part in driving the whole club forward.”

Guyana’s multiple title winning coach joins the Vitae Sports family

Vitae Sports are delighted to welcome Guyana’s multiple title-winning coach Esuan Crandon to the team. The 38-year-old is one of the Caribbean’s star coaches guiding Guyana to the Regional Four-Day Competition title for the past five years. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “Esuan is one of the leading lights on the West Indies coaching front. He has performed incredibly to lead Guyana to five consecutive titles in the four-day game and has an exciting future ahead of him.”

Worcestershire bowler Charlie Morris agrees contract extension

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce they have agreed a contract extension for Worcestershire seamer Charlie Morris to continue his successful spell at the club. The 27-year-old paceman enjoyed a stellar campaign at New Road last season finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the County Championship with 44 wickets at 21.48, the second highest wicket taker in the Royal London Cup and playing in the T20 Vitality Blast final. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “We are delighted for Charlie, he is an incredibly popular player and a pleasure to work with. “He has had a fantastic season and really made his mark, we can’t wait to see how he progresses in the future.”

England Under-19’s paceman James Taylor joins Surrey

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce we have agreed a two-year deal for England under-19s paceman James Taylor to join Surrey. The 18-year-old left Derbyshire at the end of the season and has agreed to join Surrey after impressing at The Oval. Vitae Sports Darren Long said, “It is a fantastic opportunity for James. He has been involved in the young England set-up for a while and is one of the most highly rated young quick bowlers on the circuit. We can’t wait to watch him progress at Surrey.”

Vitae Sports welcomes Warwickshire Head Coach Jim Troughton to the team

Vitae Sports are delighted to welcome Warwickshire Head Coach Jim Troughton to the team. The 40-year-old enjoyed an illustrious career for The Bears, representing England during his time at Edgbaston before taking over the reigns as head coach in 2016. Vitae’s Darren Long said, “We have known Jim for many years as a player and coach and are excited to work with him going forward. He is one of the top young coaches in English cricket and has enjoyed considerable success already”

Worcestershire Paceman Adam Finch joins Vitae Sports

We are delighted to welcome Worcestershire paceman Adam Finch to the Vitae family. The 19-year-old is highly rated representing England under-19s and already breaking into a potent Worcestershire bowling attack making 12 County Championship appearances. Vitae Sports Darren Long said, “We are really excited about working with Adam. He bowls close to 90mph and has showed great promise. All of the Worcester lads speak very highly of him and believe he has the ability to reach the top.”

Vitae Star Pat Brown drafted in both the Dubai T10 League & The Hundred

Vitae Sports Pat Brown has been drafted by Karnataka Tuskers in the Dubai T10 League. He will be playing alongside fellow Vitae star, Sandeep Lamichhane. Pat has also been named as Birmingham Phoenix icon player for next year’s Hundred tournament. The 21-year-old Worcester paceman has made a big impact in the T20 world over the past two seasons and has been recognised to lead the new Birmingham franchise forward with fellow Worcestershire team-mate Moeen Ali.

England T20 call up for Pat Brown

Vitae Sports T20 star Pat Brown has been called up to the England squad to tour New Zealand this winter. The 21-year-old excelled in the T20 Vitality Blast finals day again this year for Worcestershire and has been rewarded for his great form with his debut international call-up. Vitae Sports Darren Long said, “Pat has worked incredibly hard to achieve this recognition. He is his own biggest critic and always trying to improve his game. It is an excellent achievement for someone his age and I am sure he will enjoy a great tour.”

Talented all-rounder Fynn Huson-Prentice joins the team

We are delighted to welcome Derbyshire all-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice to the team. The talented all-rounder has made a big impact after breaking into the first-class scene this year after graduating through the MCC Young Cricketers Programme. Vitae’s Darren Long said, “Fynn has been one of the big success stories of county cricket this year excelling with bat and ball. He has been a key figure in Derbyshire’s T20 Vitality Blast success and getting them to the finals.”

Nepal superstar Sandeep Lamichhane returns to the Big Bash League

Sandeep Lamichhane is returning to the Big Bash League with Melbourne Stars! The teenage leg-spin sensation will be leading the Stars challenge again after a successful campaign last season. The 19-year-old has made a big name for himself already starring in the IPL with Delhi Capitals and playing for Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League T20. Melbourne list manager Trent Woodhill said, “We’re really excited to have Sandeep back at the Stars. He’s a young, energetic and talented leg-spinner. To secure his signature for the entire Big Bash season is a great testament to the level of competition. He was definitely a fan favourite last season so it’s great that fans will have the opportunity to come and watch someone so exciting for the entire Big Bash campaign.”

Vitae Sports welcomes former England High Performance Director David Parsons

It is our pleasure to announce former England Cricket Performance Director David Parsons has joined Vitae Sports. David worked for the ECB for 19 years including 12 years in the prestigious role of Performance Director and also operated as National Spin Bowling coach during his tenure. Vitae’s Darren Long said: “David has an enviable wealth of experience in international cricket and is a popular figure in the game. “We are looking forward to helping David achieve his ambitions at the top level of the game.”

New Zealand Black Cap Tom Blundell joins Vitae Sports

Vitae Sports are delighted to welcome New Zealand & Wellington star Tom Blundell to the team. The 28-year old was part of the Black Caps squad who agonizingly lost to England in the recent World Cup final and blasted a century against West Indies prior to the tournament. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “Tom has an excellent record in all formats of the game and has consistently performed when called upon by the Black Caps. He is now entering his peak years as a cricketer and has the ability to make a big impact on the world stage.”

USA & Caribbean Expert Kevin Darlington joins the Vitae team

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce former Guyana cricket player and USA coach Kevin Darlington has joined the team as consultant in North America and West Indies. Vitae owner Darren Long said, “Kevin and myself go back nearly 25 years on and off the cricket pitch and it will be great to work together to establish more links in North America and the Caribbean and also help more players achieve their aims on the world cricket scene. Kevin has achieved considerable success on the pitch and in helping the USA national team achieve ODI status for the first-time this year.”

Gloucestershire Hot-Shot Hammond joins Vitae Sports

Vitaee Sports are delighted to welcome young Gloucestershire star Miles Hammond to the team. The 23-year old has established himself in all formats at first-class level but has particularly excelled in T20 where he has built a reputation as a destructive opener with a strike rate of nearly 160. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “Miles is one of the most exciting players coming through the county system at the moment. His style is perfect for the modern game and he has the ability to go all the way to the top without a doubt.” Welcome to the Vitae team Miles!!

England Lions call up for Vitae star James Bracey

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce Gloucestershire star James Bracey has been called up to the England Lions squad to play Australia ‘A’ on 14th July 2019. The 22-year-old batsman has been in brilliant form this season averaging over 40 with the bat. Vitae Sports Darren Long said, “James has been performing to an exceptional level for a long time now and the recognition is well deserved. He is highly respected throughout the first-class scene and has a fantastic attitude. He has already performed well against Australia this season and there is no reason why this won’t be the next step to the England team this summer.”

Shaheen Afridi rips up the World Cup record books for Pakistan

Incredible day for Vitae Sports Pakistan star Shaheen Afridi as he bowed out of the World Cup on a massive high. Shaheen became the youngest player ever to take a five wicket haul in the World Cup and the first Pakistan player to ever take six wickets in the tournament with his 6-35 against Bangladesh. Earlier in the day, fellow Vitae Sports client Iman-ul-Haq cruised to a run-a-ball century to finish the tournament with more than 300 runs.

Exciting International Partnership Announcement

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce the beginning of a new international partnership with South African company The Sporting Agents. Very exciting times ahead with a highly respected sports management company who we have built a strong relationship with in recent times. Vitae owner Darren Long said: “We have had an excellent relationship with Chris Cardoso for a good while now. Chris and the team are very well respected, they represent some of the best sporting talent in South Africa and their aims and values tie in perfectly with ours at Vitae Sports.”

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE T20 BLAST?

The T20 Vitality Blast is around the corner and the World Cup is in full flow (when it’s not raining!). Now is a great time to get your company name exposed on an international platform as a bat sponsor this summer. The Vitality Blast is the most televised domestic cricket competition and drew nearly a million spectators through the gates last season. Vitae Sports and Worcestershire youngster Pat Brown was labelled ‘The Find of the Tournament’ and finished leading wicket taker with 31 wickets last season as he and fellow Vitae Sports colleague Daryl Mitchell led ‘The Pears’ to their first-ever tournament victory on Sky TV. If your company is interested in sponsoring one of Vitae Sports domestic and international players on show throughout the country this summer then please get in touch

Vitae Sports’ Azhar Ali guides Somerset to Royal London One-Day Cup Victory

Congratulations to Vitae Sports’ Azhar Ali on guiding Somerset County Cricket Club to victory over Hampshire Cricket in the Royal London One-Day Cup final at Lords. The 34-year-old set the foundations for victory with 45 off 53 balls as Somerset built on their solid start to comfortably win by six wickets. The Pakistan Cricket Team international played an integral part throughout the trophy scoring 451 runs at an average of 41 and also weighing in with 7 wickets at 19.42 with the ball including a brilliant 5-34 against Worcestershire County Cricket Club in the quarter-finals. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Azhar in his first full season in county cricket. “He is a delight to work with and incredibly popular with Somerset on and off the pitch. Andy Hurry never has anything but praise for his character, work ethic and what he brings to the club.”

Yorkshire star Karl Carver joins Vitae Sports

Vitae Sports are delighted to welcome Yorkshire star Karl Carver to the team. The 23-year-old has made 8 first-class, 15 one-day and 9 T20 appearances for the White Rose county and has represented England at under-19s level. Vitae’s Darren Long said: “Karl is a really exciting talent and has already made a number of appearances for Yorkshire at a young age. He has a great attitude and work ethic and we look forward to helping him achieve his goals.”

BREAKING NEWS…Pat Brown extends Worcestershire contract

Vitae Sports are delighted to announce they have agreed a contract extension to keep Pat Brown at Worcestershire County Cricket Club until 2021. The 20-year-old enjoyed a stellar T20 campaign last season when he shot to prominence with a brilliant 31 wicket campaign to fire Worcester to the Vitality Blast title. Vitae Sports Darren Long said :”It is great news for Pat to extend his stay at Worcester where he loves his cricket. “It has been an amazing year for him on the back of the T20 campaign and we received a lot of interest in him for overseas tournaments. “He has a fantastic head on his shoulders and is a pleasure to work with. We can’t wait to see him continue his rise in the game.

WHAT A WEEK AND START!!….to the season for the Vitae Sports lads!!

Leicestershire’s Tommy Taylor enjoyed not one but two career bests with 6-47 and match figures of 10-122 to catapult him to the top of the PCA MVP rankings. New ball partner Chris Wright snagged four wickets alongside him and skipper Paul Horton guided the side to victory with a crucial 61. Derbyshire’s Harvey Hosein top scored in both innings to fire his side to a convincing victory against Durham where youngster Liam Trevaskis impressed with an unbeaten 27 in the second innings. Keith Barker took three wickets and scored an unbeaten 31 to help Hampshire to victory over Essex on debut while Northants Luke Procter secured 81 not out against Middlesex. Somerset’s Azhar Ali helped his side to an early season victory against Kent in a low-scoring affair. Aaron Thomason was the star of the University warm-up matches blasting 62 not out and following up with a brilliant 5-6 and 2-25, team-mate and captain Jeetan Patel got into rhythm for the season with 3-12 against Leeds/Bradford. New Lancashire loanee Mark Footitt was also in the wickets with 3-26 against Loughborough and Worcestershire star Daryl Mitchell scored 74 against Cambridge.

Dimuth Karunaratne signs as Hampshire’s overseas player for the 2019 season

The 30-year-old opening batsman has enjoyed a stellar year with Sri Lanka and was voted into the ICC Test team of the year last month. Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles White said: “We’re delighted to have Dimuth with us for the first half of the season and we’re excited about what he brings to the group, both on and off the pitch. Dimuth Karunaratne said: “It has always been my dream to play in the County Championship and I couldn’t be happier for it to be at a county like Hampshire. I am looking forward to continue building on the success from 2018 by playing an important role in Hampshire’s future.”

Sandeep returns to Melbourne!

Nepalese leg-spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane returned to Big Bash action this week and promptly sent Melbourne Stars straight into finals Lamichhane now holds the best bowling average in the tournament for bowlers with more than 10 wickets and his return from Bangladesh Premier League and international action was perfectly timed for the Melbourne faithful. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “Sandeep has to be the most exciting spinner in the world right now and he is only 18. We are in regular contact with the Stars and they love him on and off the pitch. “He is averaging just 13 with the ball and has an economy rate of less than 7 so you are getting everything you could possibly ask from him with the ball.”

Breaking News!

Vitae Sports are proud to announce that Ashley Giles has been named the new Managing Director of English cricket. The 45-year-old replaces Andrew Strauss and will be responsible for the strategy, coaching and management of the England teams. Vitae Sports Darren Long said: “It is an incredible achievement to reach the top of your game on and off the pitch. “It is well deserved recognition for Ash and we are delighted to have been part of the journey and through many exciting times.” – 14th December 2018.

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