Surrey wicketkeeper Josh Blake will join Leicestershire on a multi-year contract at the end of the season to secure regular first-team opportunities across all formats.
The departure arrives just days after he guided his current employers to a one-wicket County Championship victory over Yorkshire with an unbeaten 43 from 183 deliveries.
“It has been an honour to represent my boyhood Club for the last four years and I’m hugely grateful to everyone at Surrey for giving me the opportunity to play professional cricket and prove myself in the county game,” Blake told the Kia Oval website.
He earned his first senior deal in 2022 following four years working as a community coach for the Surrey Cricket Foundation.
Winter Transfer Market Accelerates
Blake’s switch to Grace Road accelerates a major reshuffle among England-qualified glovemen. Leicestershire require an immediate replacement for the departing Ben Cox.
Nottinghamshire are actively seeking domestic keeping options after calling upon Kyle Verreynne and Mitch Hay this summer.
Sussex face the anticipated departure of John Simpson, while Glamorgan must recruit a specialist following the retirement of Chris Cooke.
This long-term squad restructuring contrasts with the immediate tactical fixes seen elsewhere, as teams rely on short-term overseas spin recruits to salvage their late County Championship run-in.
Surrey director of men’s cricket Alec Stewart confirmed the transfer.
“I want to thank Josh for his time at the Club and wish him the very best for the future at his new county,” Stewart added. The current county campaign concludes in late September.
