Surrey County Cricket Club have announced the signing of wicket keeper Gary Wilson.

Wilson, a 20-year old wicket keeping all rounder spent the majority of the season playing for Surrey’s second team. Born in Ireland, the young wicket keeper has played both first class and List A cricket for his native country.

He has also represented the MCC Young Cricketers, maintaining a regular spot in the side throughout 2005.
Batty will have an under-study for the 2007 season This continued into the 2006 season, however due to his commitments with Surrey, he only managed to turn out for the MCC side periodically.

Playing in eight second eleven Championship Matches for Surrey, Wilson averaged 18.2 with the bat in 12 innings, registering a highest score of 56 not out against Sussex. Behind the stumps, the 20 year-old took a tidy 32 dismissals which included 26 catches and six stumpings.

The signing of the young Ireland international will mean that Surrey, who played the whole of the 2006 season without a back up for Jonathan Batty in the squad, will have a reserve wicket keeper on their staff for 2007.

Commenting on the signing, Surrey’s second team coach, Nadeem Shahid said: ‘Gary showed superb technical ability behind the stumps throughout his long stint with the second team this season. He complimented his ability with the gloves by offering versatility with the bat as he at times opened the innings as well coming in down the order.’

He added: ‘I look forward to working with him next season.’

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