The Tasmanian all-rounder Luke Butterworth has signed a contract to play both for Greenock, in this year's national league, and as the one permitted overseas player for the Scottish Saltires in the 2011 Clydesdale Bank 40 competition.
Butterworth (27) will be Greenock’s club professional, following in the footsteps of previous Tasmanians Michael Dighton, Dene Hills and Jason Krejza. Butterworth has represented Tasmania since 2003 and has played 36 first-class games and 48 one-day games for his state. In 2007, he was the man of the match in the Pura Cup final, when Tasmania won the major domestic honour in Australia for the first time. That side also included previous Scotland overseas players Damian Wright and George Bailey. Butterworth has also represented Australia at U19 and A-team level.
There is only one fixture clash between his two roles during the 2011 season, meaning that Butterworth will miss only one Greenock game in fulfilling his duties to the Saltires.
Commenting on the signing, Greenock spokesman Kenny Godsman said: "Greenock are delighted to have been able to recruit a player of Luke’s undoubted quality, and we are sure he will be an excellent club professional, as well as scoring heavily and taking wickets, as we play in the first year of the expanded SNCL."
Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Roddy Smith is also delighted at the signing: "We have an excellent relationship with Tasmania and were keen on attracting another of their state players to replace George Bailey this year. Luke has a superb record and, being a genuine all-rounder, will greatly assist with the balance and options available to head coach Peter Steindl and captain Gordon Drummond. We are very grateful to Greenock CC for agreeing to Luke’s release to play for the Saltires."
Butterworth will make his Saltires debut in the first game of the 2011 season, against Durham on April 24 at the Emirates Durham ICG at Chester-le-Street.