Aslam to replace Skuse

Imran Aslam: Saddleworth pro

CRICKET:

PROLIFIC wicket-taker Imran Aslam will be weaving his magic for Saddleworth this summer.

The Pakistani professional has agreed terms, and the club is now waiting for a licence from the UK Border Agency so formalities can be completed.

All-rounder Aslam, who hails from Bahwalpur in the Punjab, burst on to the Saddleworth and District League scene in 2008 with Glodwick. He bamboozled batsmen with his spin and bagged more than 250 wickets in three seasons at Warren Lane.

He joined Uppermill in 2011 and enjoyed a terrific summer, with 126 wickets at 9.1 to help the club to the title.

He spent last year at Austerlands, where he topped the professional bowling averages with 91 victims at 12.1. He is also capable of scoring useful runs, although his performance last season with the bat — just under 792 runs at 34.4 — belied his talents.

Aslam (33) has replaced Peter Skuse, who joined league rivals Micklehurst in the position of paid man.

Aussie Skuse was professional at Saddleworth from 1998 to 2013, and only Frank Crow in the post-First World War era has spent longer - 17 years - as pro there.

Saddleworth also have a new captain for 2014 as Danny Hesford has taken over from Brian Lord.