Jake Ball to bid adieu to Nottinghamshire at 2023 season end

Jake Ball. (Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Nottinghamshire’s Jake Ball is set to bid adieu to the club at the culmination of the 2023 season after serving for 15 years. Ball, hailing from Nottinghamshire, has been a stalwart for the team, making his senior debut in the 2009 Natwest Pro40. 

Ball has etched his name in Nottinghamshire cricket history by claiming a staggering 423 wickets. His contributions in the shorter format of the game are particularly noteworthy, with an impressive tally of 131 T20 wickets for the Outlaws, coupled with a great average of 21.06 and a strike rate of just 14.27.

His impact in First-Class cricket is equally commendable, with 203 wickets for Nottinghamshire at an average of under 28. The year 2016 was a standout, with him taking 54 wickets including three five-wicket hauls and the club’s first home hat-trick in over a century.

“If you’d told me in my first few years here that I’d have played so much for the club, won trophies, and played for England in all formats, I’d never have believed it,” Ball was quoted by Cricket World.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, but I’ve never lost sight of how special it’s been to call this place home. Trent Bridge will always have a very special place in my heart, and while I’m looking forward to whatever challenges come next, I’ll always be a Notts supporter,” he added.

Beginning his cricketing journey at Welbeck Cricket Club in North Nottinghamshire, Ball’s ascent to stardom was a testament to his talent and dedication. He earned his county cap in 2016 and played an integral role in Notts Outlaws’ T20 triumphs in 2017 and 2020.

Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s Director of Cricket, praised Ball’s unwavering commitment. “Over the last 15 years, Jake has shown great dedication to realize the potential he first showed as a teenager with us. He’s a very popular member of the group who has led by example on and off the pitch; we wish him all the best with the next chapter of his career.”