Luke Fletcher, Nottinghamshire's beloved seam bowler, will part ways with the club at the conclusion of the 2024 season, ending a 17-year tenure at Trent Bridge. As Fletcher prepares to turn 36, he leaves behind an impressive legacy, having taken 442 first-class wickets since his debut in 2008, along with 93 List A and 108 T20 wickets.
Fletcher's journey with Nottinghamshire began early, working his way through the club’s age-group system. However, he faced setbacks along the way, being released to return to club cricket at Papplewick and Linby. During this time, he even worked on the gates at Trent Bridge before finally securing a regular place in the starting lineup in 2009.
Known for his spirited and passionate approach to the game, Fletcher became a fan favourite at Trent Bridge. He contributed to six title victories for the club, including their 2010 County Championship win and two T20 Blast titles in 2017 and 2020.
Reflecting on his career, Fletcher expressed his deep gratitude, stating that representing his hometown club had been an honour. He shared that he could never have imagined such a fulfilling career and felt thankful for the countless memories made during his time at the club. He noted that it wasn’t just his teammates who made Trent Bridge special, but also the many people working behind the scenes, from the ticket office to the ground staff, who made the experience meaningful.
Although he is saddened by his departure, Fletcher is proud of all he has achieved, and Trent Bridge will always feel like home to him. His most outstanding season came in 2021, when he was named PCA County Championship Player of the Year, taking 66 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.9. This feat was even more remarkable considering the career-threatening injury he suffered in 2017 after being struck on the head by a Sam Hain drive during a T20 match against Birmingham Bears, from which he made a full recovery.
Fletcher’s impact on Nottinghamshire is undeniable. He is one of just five players to take 100 T20 wickets for the club, and boasts two career-best scores of 92. His eight fifties for the club are further proof of his well-rounded skills on the field.
Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, praised Fletcher, describing him as a player who has given his heart and soul to the club. Newell highlighted how Fletcher's infectious personality and unwavering loyalty earned him the respect and affection of teammates, fans, and the wider Nottinghamshire community. He noted that even Stuart Broad, who played alongside some of the best cricketers of his generation, regarded Fletcher as one of the finest teammates he’d ever had.
Newell concluded by wishing Fletcher the best in his future endeavours, noting that the doors of Trent Bridge would always remain open for him, with a warm reception awaiting whenever he returns.