Oxford Downs have pulled off a coup with the signing of Scottish all-rounder, Tom Sole, for their 2021 Home Counties Premier League season.

Steelback Sole

Sole is a Scottish international who was recently released by Northants following 3-years on contract with the Steelbacks.

The Edinburgh-born all-rounder originally joined the Northants Academy in 2016 before signing a professional contract in 2018.

He represented the County in both List A and T20 cricket, while also making his international debut for Scotland during this period.

His highlight for the Steelbacks came on his List A debut. After taking the wicket of Hashim Amla in the first innings, he produced a stunning fifty, striking a 43-ball 54 to include 3 sixes to edge his side closer to victory.

Sole’s Scottish exploits…

Sole made his ODI debut for Scotland shortly thereafter and in March 2018, was named Man of the Match courtesy of his 4-wickets against Hong Kong during their 2018 World Cup Qualifier.

He followed up with his T20 debut for Northants in the 2018 Blast.

After earning selection to play for the Glasgow Giants in the inaugural Euro T20 slam in July 2019 (which was subsequently canceled), he was named in Scotland’s squad for the 2019/20 Ireland Tri-Nation Series and 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Sole went on to make his T20 debut for Scotland against the Netherlands in September 2019.

… his action deemed illegal

Unfortunately, the ICC announced that his bowling action was deemed illegal and he was suspended from bowling at international level.

Having been cleared of an illegal action during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Sole is working hard to remedy the issues and force his way back into the national fold.

Sole is a highly regarded cricketer, who many suspects will break back into County cricket in future. The son of former Scottish rugby player, David Sole, and brother to Chris, who also plays for the Scottish cricket side, Sole is hoping for a big summer in 2021.

Sole signs for local club Oxford Downs

He has signed to play his club cricket in the Home Counties Premier League for Oxford Downs, following stints with Finedon Dolben (2016, 18, 19), Ketton (2017), and Sutton (2020).

During this period, he picked up 100 wickets at 18.68 and scored 1,467 runs at 32.30. Sole will be out to impress for his new club in the HCPCL in 2021.