New signing Dan Moriarty is no stranger to a title or two – and the left-arm spinner is confident Yorkshire’s squad has what it takes to help ensure that his own eye-catching career CV is enhanced over the next few seasons.
Moriarty has arrived at Headingley on a three-year contract ahead of 2024, joining from reigning back-to-back county champions Surrey, for whom he made his senior debut for three-and-a-half-years ago.
The 25-year-old only made one appearance in each of the last two Vitality County Championship title-winning campaigns, but being around the squad has given him valuable experience and an insight into exactly what it takes for a team to be successful.
And the Reigate-born former South Africa Under 19s twirler likes what he sees from his new Yorkshire team-mates in that respect.
Moriarty, who spent a month on loan with the county last summer, today claimed 3-47 from nine overs on day one of Yorkshire’s final pre-season friendly – a two-day clash with Durham at Headingley.
He said: “That is a goal for this time (winning Division Two), but it’s a process that will get you there.
“You get promoted or win this division in September, and there’s a lot of cricket to be played until then.
Picture by Ian Roman/Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports hub. Dan Moriarty trains with Yorkshire on pre-season tour in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.
“But I firmly believe that with the quality of this squad, we are a Division One team. I hope the cricket we play and the way we go about it will represent that.
“Then, when we get up there, it’s not just about trying to stay there, it’s about pushing to win that (Division One) title.”
Moriarty is one of three spinners competing for places in Yorkshire’s team, alongside off-spinner Dom Bess and leggie Jafer Chohan.
“Competition is only healthy, and we push each other to be better, which is a nice thing to have,” he continued.
“I think that’s what good sides have.
“We have massive depth in this squad. Boys will be competing for 11 spots, but if we walk away with a trophy it will be down to 20 guys putting in the performances.”
Following last summer’s mid-summer loan spell, spanning four Championship appearances and yielding seven wickets, Moriarty had an idea what to expect when he opted to join the club permanently.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Dan Moriarty acknowledges the applause after taking five wickets on debut against Gloucestershire at Headingley last June.
“It’s been a bit of a change, moving up North,” he continued. “But I’ve spent most of my winter here, and I’m loving it.
“I’ve moved up to Harrogate with my fiancee, and we’re loving the beautiful countryside.
“I’m proud to be joining such as a prestigious club.
“Everybody’s super friendly, and it’s a really tight-knit group.
“A lot of these guys have been playing cricket together for a long time, and they’ve been very welcoming. I’ve really enjoyed it, and it’s nice to be a part of.
“It’s a new season for me with the same goals.
“There’s going to be a big push from this team to try and dominate this division and to walk away with a trophy.”
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Dan Moriarty bowls in that same match against Gloucestershire last summer.
While Moriarty has already had success at Headingley – he claimed five wickets on debut in last June’s draw against Gloucestershire and encouraged again today – he knows that generally speaking, his new home is not a spinner’s paradise.
However, he remains confident that, when given the opportunity, he can contribute significantly to success.
He added: “It’s not necessarily a spinner’s paradise, no, but it’s normally a good wicket here,” he added.
“I feel if I can stay in the game for long enough, I’ll compete. It might not be as pretty as I’d want it to be, spinning sides out in half a session, but it’s about doing the hard yards.
“Winning games of cricket here requires a team performance, and that’s the way we’re looking to play our cricket – lots of contributions from everybody.”
