Somerset batsman Arul Suppiah granted benefit year

We are delighted to announce that Arul Suppiah has been granted a well-deserved benefit year in 2013 by his county side, Somerset, and the OMCC is hoping to host a Somerset v Millfield fixture in his honour during their cricket week in July.  Nick Brothers would be happy to receive suggestions in relation to the necessary fund-raising for this event.

ARUL SUPPIAH

The 29-year-old right-handed batsman and slow left-arm bowler made his first-team debut for the club in 2002 and is currently preparing for his 12th season with the south west county. Suppiah has made 94 first-class appearances for the Cidermen, in which he has scored over 5,000 runs at an average of 33.95, with a career best of 156. In addition to his batting, Suppiah has also proved a useful bowling option and holds the world record for the best bowling in domestic Twenty20 cricket after claiming 6-5 against Glamorgan in Cardiff in 2011.

Although he was born in Malaysia, Suppiah has lived in England since the age of 13 and last year was awarded British Citizenship.

Suppiah told the Somerset website: “I am thrilled that the club has granted me this fantastic opportunity. I have been involved with Somerset for all of my adult life and I am really looking forward to having a successful season both on and off the field.

Chairman Andy Nash said: “Arul has been a tremendous servant to the club and we are delighted to be able to award him a benefit for the coming season. He has been an integral part of first team for a number of years so this is richly deserved.”

“We wish him every success during the forthcoming months and hope that all our Members and Supporters will give him their full support during the coming year and hope that he can crown it by playing a part in helping Somerset collect some silverware.”