Corey Rocchiccioli, an offspinner from Western Australia, is set to join Warwickshire for a brief tenure in the County Championship. Committing to a four-match run within the next six weeks, Rocchiccioli expressed enthusiasm about playing overseas during the Australian off-season.
In recent years, Rocchiccioli, 27, has excelled in red-ball cricket. He’s grabbed 84 wickets at an average of 27.65 in the Sheffield Shield since the 2023-24 season, trailing only behind Nathan McAndrew from South Australia. This year at Warwickshire, he’ll encounter the Kookaburra ball – a shift from the traditional Dukes ball used in these matches.
“We are very excited about welcoming Corey into our squad through June and July,” remarked Ian Westwood, Warwickshire’s head coach. “He is a proven performer in Sheffield Shield cricket, and with his experience of the Kookaburra ball, we know he will make an impact for us.”
Sharing his thoughts, Rocchiccioli noted, “I’m really excited to play at a prestigious club like Warwickshire. I jumped at the chance to play when Westy and Davo [captain Alex Davies] rang me. I’m really excited to learn and grow in English conditions and hopefully contribute to some strong wins along the way.”
Australian selectors have shown interest in Rocchiccioli, having included him in Australia A teams that faced India A and the England Lions last year. He finds himself among possible successors to Nathan Lyon, along with Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy, who is also set to play for Gloucestershire in a similar stint.
In a related move, Northamptonshire have brought in New Zealand’s Tim Robinson, a young wicketkeeper-batter, for a short duration. Robinson, 23, will participate in two Championship matches and four Blast fixtures, stepping in for Matthew Breetzke following his call-up to South Africa’s Test squad to play against Zimbabwe.
