Gloucestershire double up

  • Last Updated: September 21 2012, 7:19 BST

Gloucestershire have moved to sign two young wicketkeepers in a bid to fill the void left by the retirement of Jon Batty.

Jon Batty: Gloucestershire have signed two young wicketkeepers as replacements
Jon Batty: Gloucestershire have signed two young wicketkeepers as replacements

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South Africa-born Gareth Roderick joins on a two-year deal after impressing with gloves and bat for Cheltenham.

The 21-year-old has previously played for Gloucestershire's second team and has first-class experience with KwaZulu-Natal.

Roderick comes in to provide a rivalry for the county's only senior wicketkeeper Richard Coughtrie, while 17-year-old academy player Cameron Herring has been handed a 12-month scholarship, to be followed by a two-year professional deal.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: "Gareth Roderick has batted exceptionally well, not only for our second team, but in club cricket this season.

"With Jon Batty leaving us, we need competition for Richard Coughtrie behind the stumps next summer and believe Gareth is capable of providing it."

Batty, who spent the majority of his 18-year professional career with Surrey before joining Gloucestershire ahead of the 2010 season, announced his retirement last week.