Gloucestershire have handed Dorset batter and wicketkeeper Joe Eckland a short-term contract to bolster their squad for the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
From National Counties to the county first team
Eckland, who was part of the Dorset side that lifted the National Counties Trophy last season and has represented Dorset since 2022, earned his opportunity after appearing for Gloucestershire's Second XI in recent weeks. The move gives him a route back into first-class cricket following his release from Hampshire at the end of last season.
The former England Under-19s international made 10 List A appearances for Hampshire across 2023 and 2024 before being let go. After impressing while on trial with Gloucestershire’s second-string, the club offered him a short-term deal that runs for the duration of the Metro Bank Cup.
Immediate impact and chances to play
Eckland made his first appearance for Gloucestershire in a close encounter with Leicestershire, scoring 12 from 25 balls in a two-wicket defeat. He was in contention to play again when Gloucestershire faced Somerset subsequently.
“I’m really pleased to be playing for Gloucestershire in this competition; they have a great tradition in the one-day competition so to be asked by Jon to sign was a no brainer,”
He added that his previous experiences in the competition with Hampshire give him confidence as he aims to "prove [his] worth here in Bristol and make this competition one to remember for Gloucestershire."
Club view and form
Mark Thorburn, who will take a dual leadership role across Gloucestershire’s Metro Bank campaign and has worked closely with Eckland, highlighted the wicketkeeper-batter’s white-ball credentials following a productive spell with the club’s Second XI.
“He’s had an incredible Second XI T20 competition. He's the leading run scorer in the country and has played a number of games for us during that competition,”
Thorburn praised his high strike rate and ability to score quickly — characteristics the club will be looking to harness in the one-day format.
- Signed on: short-term contract for the Metro Bank One Day Cup
- Previous clubs: Dorset (since 2022), Hampshire (List A, 2023–24)
- Debut for Gloucestershire: 12 runs off 25 balls in narrow defeat to Leicestershire
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Batter / Wicketkeeper |
| List A appearances for Hampshire | 10 (2023–24) |
| County Trophy | Member of Dorset team that won National Counties Trophy (last season) |
The signing underlines Gloucestershire’s intent to strengthen their options for the short-format cup and gives Eckland a platform to rebuild his professional career. With the Metro Bank One Day Cup already under way, the club will hope his recent Second XI form translates into valuable performances at first-team level.
