Matthew Fisher Set to Join Surrey: A Promising Move for the 2025 Season

Surrey is on the brink of signing Matthew Fisher, the England fast bowler with a single Test cap, from Yorkshire for the next season. The tall right-arm pacer is preparing to join Surrey's impressive lineup of international stars at the Oval on a long-term contract.

Fisher, aged 26, made his Test debut on a flat pitch in Barbados in 2022 and is still highly regarded by England's selectors. This is evident as he received one of three ECB development contracts for fast bowlers this year, supplementing his county salary and giving England some control over his career management.

Despite his talent, Fisher has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, appearing in only 41 first-class matches since his debut as a 17-year-old in April 2015. Additionally, he has participated in just 80 white-ball matches since his breakthrough in 2013. However, when fit, Fisher is considered one of the top bowlers in the county circuit, with 126 first-class wickets at an average of 28. Surrey’s excellent track record of developing England internationals has likely influenced Fisher's decision, as he hopes their careful management of fast bowlers will keep him fit and enhance his chances of returning to Test cricket.

Fisher, who has not played since May due to an ankle injury but is now fit, has resumed talks with Surrey, leading to the anticipated move. With Gus Atkinson likely to become an all-format England international, Fisher's addition will strengthen Surrey’s seam-bowling department. Currently leading the table, Surrey is aiming for a third consecutive title under outgoing director of cricket Alec Stewart, head coach Gareth Batty, and captain Rory Burns. Over the past three years, they have consistently bolstered their squad with international talent, including Dan Lawrence from Essex this season and Dom Sibley’s return from Warwickshire in 2023.

Yorkshire will feel the loss of their homegrown, York-born pacer as they navigate a period of transition both on and off the field. Last week, it was announced that head coach Ottis Gibson would depart at the season's end. Simultaneously, chairman Colin Graves is advancing plans to transition the club from member-owned to privately-owned, following what has been described as “the most difficult period in Yorkshire’s history.” Sanjay Patel, former head of the Hundred at ECB, has been appointed as chief executive for at least the next year.

The player transfer market has been slower this season, influenced by various factors, including counties' tight financial situations and uncertainties surrounding the benefits from the sale of Hundred franchises. Senior players have also been tied down to longer contracts.

Durham has been particularly active, acquiring highly regarded opener Emilio Gay from Northamptonshire and Will Rhodes from Warwickshire, while allowing Michael Jones to return to Lancashire. Meanwhile, Somerset’s promising seamer Sonny Baker is expected to join Hampshire, and there is uncertainty about out-of-contract opener Ben Compton’s future at Kent.