Leicestershire sign Arun Harinath and Matthew Pillans from Surrey on loan

In an attempt to consolidate their batting and bowling resources, Leicestershire County Cricket Club have signed Arun Harinath and Mathew Pillans from Surrey. Harinath and Pillans moved to Leicestershire on an initial one-month based deal hunting for better opportunities and the club hopes this move will have mutual benefits.

Both these players from Surrey completed their transfer a couple of days before the commencement of the day-night championship match at Northants. Recently, Leicestershire were humiliated in a county game against Notts County, a side filled with International stars. This made the club management think harder to solidify their side across all departments.

Arun Harinath has scored 3,729 runs at an average of 32.14 with a career-best score of 154 for Surrey. The 30-year-old batsman has been performing consistently over the last few years and Leicestershire CCC feel they will benefit a lot from this southpaw.

The tall fast bowler Mathew Pillans joined Surrey just a year ago from Dolphins. With 114 first-class wickets and 24 List-A scalps, Pillans will offer them some extra stability with the ball.

Quality players

Monday will embark the first full round of day-night matches in the 127-year history of the County Championship, with each day’s play starting at 2 pm and the last session (scheduled 7-9pm) played under floodlights. Amidst such a historic day in county history, the Foxes are looking to turn the season around.

Leicestershire coach Pierre De Bruyn said to the press that both Arun and Pillans are great quality players. He hopes that Pillans’ addition will strengthen their bowling department before they enter a very busy phase of the tournament.

“Arun is a well-organised batsman who will add quality as well as competition for places at the top of our order. Mathew is an exciting fast bowler who, following some injuries, will give strength in depth to our seam department as we enter a busy period of the season,” the coach said.