All-rounder Keith Barker to leave Warwickshire after a decade

Keith Barker has brought an end to his ten-year stay at Edgbaston by signing a two-year deal with Hampshire.

The all-rounder will play his cricket at the Ageas Bowl as of next season after claiming 251 wickets in all competitions for Warwickshire.

Making the move as a Division Two champion, Barker, 31, is in line to start against his old club next season who hold first-class and limited overs ambitions of their own.

“I have had 10 fantastic years at the club and enjoyed every minute. I will always be proud of the success we have had during that time and am delighted for us to finish on a high,” he said.

“I am now very excited to be taking on a new challenge at Hampshire but would like to thank everyone at Warwickshire who has helped me along the way, especially Graeme Welch who made a big difference to my bowling early in my career.

“I would like to wish them the best for the future.”

A former professional footballer for Blackburn Rovers and Rochdale, Barker has tasted success in cricket with one County Championship title and One-Day Cup and T20 Blast triumphs as honours he has won.

“Keith has made a huge impact in his time at Edgbaston, winning trophies across all three forms of the game and forming a potent new ball partnership with Chris Wright, which will be remembered fondly by our members and supporters for years to come,” Warwickshire sport director Ashley Giles commented.