Pace bowler Liam Norwell will be leaving Gloucestershire at the end of the season to join Warwickshire on a three-year deal.

His move to Warwickshire brings to an end an eight-year stint at the club for the Cornish seamer who made more than 100 appearances for Gloucestershire across all formats.

As a teenager, he took 6-46 on his Championship debut against Derbyshire at the Brightside Ground, and went on to take 248 first class wickets in 68 matches, topping the Gloucestershire bowling averages for three consecutive seasons from 2015, taking more than 50 wickets in both 2015 and 2017.

He was named as the club’s bowler of the year on both occasions, his 59 wickets last season including two 10-wicket hauls, both against Leicestershire.

His name may also remain on the club’s records for some time as a batsman, having been part of a record last-wicket stand at Cheltenham in 2014.

Along with Craig Miles, he added 137 in the second innings against Worcestershire, Norwell making 78. It was his first half-century for the club, but a score he was to better two years later when as a nightwatchman against Derbyshire at the Brightside Ground he made a first-class century having never previously reached three figures at any level.

Head coach Richard Dawson said: “Everyone at Gloucestershire wants to wish Liam all the best for his move to Warwickshire. He’s been an integral part of the changing room and has developed into a quality bowler.

“We thank Liam for his efforts and wish him well for the future.”

Norwell, who has struggled with injury for much of this campaign, added: “I’ve had a great eight years with Gloucestershire and really enjoyed representing the county and playing with the team.

“Unfortunately this year has been a tough one for me with injury and is not how I’d have wanted my Gloucestershire career to finish.

“I feel a new challenge is what my career needs at this time and I’m really excited to be joining Warwickshire in the winter.

“The opportunity to play at a Test match ground was one that I could not let pass and I hope to play a big part in their future.

“I’d like to thank all the Gloucestershire staff and coaches for their time and efforts with me and the fans for their continued support over the years.”

When Norwell spoke to The Local Answer in March, he said that “a place on an England Lions tour is definitely something I can strive for at this stage of my career.”
The 26-year-old played for Cheltenham in Premier Two Gloucestershire/Wiltshire Division earlier in the season as he looked to regain fitness.