Indian allrounder Rajat Bhatia has given Newport Cricket Club a huge winter boost – by agreeing to return to Audley Avenue for the 2009 season.

Bhatia was a major cog in Newport’s side as they won promotion from the Birmingham League’s third division in 2006.

He was on form again in 2007 before injury cut his season short, but then he left the club to sign for local rivals Wellington last year.

He only played three games for the Orleton Park side though, his commitments with the Indian Premier League keeping him away at the start of the season before a tour of Israel with the India ‘A’ squad.

Bhatia will again be playing in the IPL this season – turning out for Delhi Daredevils – but the competition starts earlier this time around and he will be available for Newport’s first game on May 2, unless his team make the final.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Rajat has decided to play for us again next season,” said Newport chairman Bob Williams.

“He is a terrific player on the field and a great ambassador for the club and cricket in general off the field.

“Our cricket committee has been working quietly in the background to persuade him to rejoin us.

Staggering

“Although he received several attractive offers from elsewhere in the country, he has decided to come back to his first club.”

In his first season with the club – the first time that Newport had played in the Birmingham League – the allrounder scored a staggering 1,124 runs from 22 innings to average 93.67.

He was a vital part of the Newport attack too, taking at an average of 13.36 apiece, bowling 370 overs as the club were promoted.

Bhatia returned to Audley Avenue the following season and, despite picking up a shoulder injury, he scored 740 runs at an average of 52.86, picking up 54 wickets this time to average 12.57, with a season-best 8-62.

“Figures like that speak for themselves,” added a happy Williams.

“And we are confident that he we will once again be challenging for promotion this season with Rajat.

“”He is of course committed to the IPL league with Delhi Daredevils, but that competition starts earlier this year and unless Delhi reach the final he should be with us for the start of the season.”

Newport have also been strengthened by the return to the area of stylish batsman Ian Anderson, who had not made many appearances in recent times because of his university commitments.

Former Shropshire seamer Jonty Mountford has also told club officials he has not made a decision on his future playing plans.

And that’s, despite claims by local division one rivals Shifnal that they had signed the bowler.

By Chris Hudson