Tom Keast will be handed his first-class debut when he keeps wicket for Nottinghamshire in their three-day match against Cambridge MCCU at Fenner’s.
The 19-year-old Lincolnshire-born player deputises for Tom Moores, who has a foot injury.
Keast has played grade cricket for Sydney-based Blacktown Warriors this winter, scoring six fifties in his 814 runs at an average of 31.30 and claiming 50 dismissals, with 40 catches and 10 stumpings.
“Tom Moores is targeting the Leicestershire practice match,” said Head Coach Peter Moores. “He’s progressing well, but I don’t think we need to risk it two weeks out from the first County Championship game against Lancashire.
“That gives Tom Keast a great chance to come in and show what he can do at first-team level, and I think it’s an experience he’ll enjoy.
“He’s not long since come back from Australia where he played this winter, but he’s had some good middle practice with us this week. I’ve seen a lot of him as he’s come up through our ranks and he’s a good keeper.”
“University games are often a good chance to get young players involved and we’re pleased to be taking Chris Gibson in our squad too.
“He’s been in good form and scored a very good century for the Second XI against Loughborough MCCU last week.”
Nottinghamshire squad to face Cambridge MCCU: Jake Libby, Chris Nash, Steven Mullaney (c), Mark Footitt, Riki Wessels, Harry Gurney, Luke Wood, Luke Fletcher, Samit Patel, Jake Ball, Billy Root, Tom Keast (wkt), Chris Gibson.
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