David Willey will return to Northamptonshire for the 2023 season.
The all-rounder made 197 appearances for the county between 2009 and 2015 and has signed a new four-year contract with Northamptonshire.
“The best journey takes you home.” Willey said.
“Wantage Road is home. I grew up playing on the outfield, behind the stands and in the groundsman’s shed.
“When I think back to my first introduction to cricket, I think of Northants.”
A graduate of club’s junior pathway, Willey has scored more than 4,000 runs and taken more than 250 wickets across all formats for Northamptonshire.
“Northants supported and nurtured me in my younger years and gave me the opportunities to achieve my childhood dreams.” Willey said.
“During the 7 years I’ve been away, I have continued to watch the club closely and found myself celebrating their successes.
“I always hoped at some stage in my career I would find my way back and I’m excited that the time is now!”
Particularly destructive in T20 cricket, Willey sits in the county’s top 10 runscorers and second in the Steelbacks all time wicket takers list. The left-hander was recently chosen by supporters as Northamptonshire’s greatest ever T20 player.
Chief Executive Ray Payne was delighted to bring Northamptonshire’s 460th first-class cricketer back to The County Ground.
“It’s brilliant to be able to confirm the signing of David Willey and to bring him back to Northamptonshire.” Payne said.
“It’s a significant move that makes our ambitions for the professional squad really clear.
“We’ve already seen what he’s able to do for the Steelbacks and the international experience David has gained in white ball cricket further strengthens our squad and really supports our goals of bringing more trophies at Wantage Road.”
Willey has been named in England’s white ball squad for the upcoming tour against the Netherlands and joins the Northamptonshire squad following the end of the season.
“My love and passion for Northamptonshire has always been there and I hope I can give the club more than just my runs and wickets.”
“I still have great ambitions in the game, to play at the highest level, to win trophies but also to give back to the club that has given me so much.”