TRENT BRIDGE — Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has bolstered its T20 Blast squad with the significant signing of experienced all-rounder Benny Howell on a two-year contract, the club announced today. The 35-year-old, renowned as one of the most innovative and effective T20 bowlers on the domestic circuit, will join the Outlaws for the 2024 and 2025 Vitality Blast campaigns, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.
Howell, who was released by Hampshire at the end of the 2023 season, becomes the latest high-profile addition to a Nottinghamshire side eager to reclaim the T20 trophy they last won in 2020. His acquisition signals a clear intent from Head Coach Peter Moores and Captain Haseeb Hameed to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts, with Howell’s unique skill set seen as a crucial component.
In an official statement released by the club, Moores expressed his delight at securing Howell's signature, highlighting the specific qualities he will bring to the dressing room. "Benny is a proven performer in T20 cricket who will add a different dimension to our bowling attack," Moores said. "He is a multi-skilled cricketer; he bowls at difficult times in the innings, he’s more than useful with the bat, and he’s an excellent fielder. He’s also a student of the game, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into our group."
A Proven T20 Pedigree
Benny Howell’s reputation in the shortest format is built on a foundation of consistent performance and tactical ingenuity. While a capable batsman and brilliant fielder, it is his bowling that has made him a standout name. He has carved a niche as a master of change-ups, utilizing a repertoire of slower balls, cutters, and knuckleballs that consistently deceive batters in the high-pressure middle overs of an innings. His career T20 economy rate of 7.87 is a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs.
His record speaks for itself. Across a career spanning over a decade, Howell has taken 221 wickets in 213 T20 matches. His contributions were instrumental in Hampshire's 2022 Vitality Blast triumph, where his economical bowling and crucial lower-order runs made him a lynchpin of the side. His experience extends globally, with stints in franchise leagues including:
- The Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
- The T20 Blast, where he has been a perennial performer
Howell himself expressed his excitement about the new challenge, stating, "I’m really excited to be joining Notts Outlaws. It’s a club with a fantastic history and a passionate fanbase, and I can’t wait to play at Trent Bridge."
Filling the Finnegan Void
The signing of Howell is particularly timely given the recent long-term injury to young Irish seamer Conor McKerr. With the Outlaws' bowling resources stretched, Howell’s ability to bowl up to four overs in a spell provides crucial depth and flexibility. He slots perfectly into the role of a seasoned, canny operator who can partner with or relieve the likes of Jake Ball, Olly Stone, and spinner Calvin Harrison.
His role is expected to be multifaceted. Not only will he be a key wicket-taking and containing option with the ball, but his power-hitting capabilities down the order add a new layer to the Outlaws' batting lineup. This dual-threat capability makes him an invaluable asset in the modern T20 game, where multi-dimensional players are worth their weight in gold.
The Outlaws' 2024 Ambitions
For Nottinghamshire, this signing is a statement of intent. After a disappointing 2023 Blast campaign where they failed to progress from the North Group, the club has moved decisively to strengthen its squad. Howell joins Australian powerhouse batter Will Young as the second major overseas signing for the white-ball season, creating a formidable-looking top order alongside Joe Clarke, Alex Hales, and Ben Duckett.
The balance of the Outlaws' squad now appears significantly stronger. The addition of Howell addresses a specific need for a reliable, experienced bowler in the middle phase, allowing Captain Hameed greater strategic freedom. The club's Director of Cricket, Mick Newell, underscored the importance of the signing, noting, "Benny is a highly respected T20 cricketer and we’re delighted to have secured his services."
A Look at the North Group Battle
The 2024 Vitality Blast North Group promises to be as competitive as ever. The Outlaws will face stiff competition from rivals such as the Birmingham Bears, Lancashire Lightning, and defending champions Somerset. The acquisition of a player of Howell’s calibre and specific skill set could prove to be the marginal gain that separates qualification from an early exit. His experience in high-pressure knockout matches will also be invaluable should the Outlaws, as expected, reach the latter stages of the competition.
A New Chapter at Trent Bridge
For Benny Howell, this move to Nottinghamshire represents an exciting new chapter in a storied domestic career. After over a decade with Hampshire, where he became a cult hero, the shift to Trent Bridge offers a fresh challenge and the opportunity to become a key figure in a new setup. The famous Trent Bridge ground, with its short boundaries and typically flat pitches, may seem a daunting prospect for a bowler, but it is a challenge Howell’s variations are uniquely suited to conquer.
He concluded his initial remarks by focusing on the team's goals, adding, "I’ve had some great battles against the Outlaws over the years and I’m looking forward to being on the same side now. I hope I can contribute to some success for the team and the supporters."
With pre-season preparations underway, the Outlaws and their supporters will be eagerly anticipating the start of the Vitality Blast in May. The signing of Benny Howell has undoubtedly raised expectations and added a layer of strategic sophistication to a squad already brimming with explosive talent. All eyes will be on Trent Bridge to see if this new-look Outlaws side can launch a serious assault on the T20 title.