Jonny Tattersall has admitted his delight at signing a new contract with Yorkshire that will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2024 summer.
Tattersall has extended his current deal with the county, which runs until the end of this season, by a year. There is then the option for a further year until the end of 2025.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper batter, a product of Knaresborough, is in his second spell at Headingley and said: “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, and it’s been a challenge to stay consistent.
“But I love it here and am more than happy to stay.”
The news comes on the eve of the new summer, which could very well start with Tattersall leading the team when Leicestershire visit next week in the LV= Insurance County Championship, starting on Thursday.
Managing director of cricket Darren Gough, speaking at the club’s pre-season media day today, admitted they were still awaiting news on new club captain Shan Masood’s availability through April and into May.
The overseas batter could potentially be in Pakistan’s squad for a series of limited overs matches against New Zealand running from April 14 to May 7. Selection is imminent.
If Masood is picked, then Tattersall will fill the void, as he did admirably last season when Steve Patterson stepped down from the role in late July.
Jonny Tattersall acknowledges the crowd after his maiden Championship century against Surrey last year
Asked what makes Tattersall the ideal candidate to captain, Gough said: “He’s passionate, he loves playing cricket, and he cares.
“One thing he’s done this winter is he’s been coaching in the Pathways and our Academy. Tatts has gone and done that in his own time, which shows his qualities.”
Tattersall is closing in on both 50 first-class and as many T20 career appearances. He rejoined Yorkshire in 2018 having been released three years earlier following progression through the age-groups and Academy.
Only in his second spell with the club has he turned himself into a wicketkeeper.
The former England Under 19 lost his first-team Championship place to Harry Duke midway through 2021 and only regained it midway through last season, enjoying an impressive return to the side with bat, gloves and, in the end, captaincy.
He averaged 48 in seven Championship matches, including a superb 180 not out against champions to be Surrey at Scarborough in mid-July.
“I felt like I found a bit last year with my batting having played pretty well during the Covid year (2020),” said Tattersall.
“I didn’t do quite as well in 2021 due to lack of opportunities once I’d been dropped. But it was nice to come back into the team last season, and hopefully I can go to another level this year.
“Averaging 48 is the level I want to be at all season, and there’s no reason why I can’t.”
