After twelve years representing Oxfordshire and six seasons’ as captain across all three formats, Jonny Cater has confirmed that he will end his playing career within NCCA Championship Cricket and step down as captain in the red ball format. Jonny will now focus solely on T20 and 50 over cricket and remain as captain across both white ball formats from 2023.
Jonny departs the red ball game having played 49 matches for the county since his debut in 2011, amassing 3448 runs at an average of 43.10, including six centuries and 23 half centuries. Of his six centuries, he made a hundred in each innings of the match against Cornwall in 2013 and had a highest score of 117 not out against Shropshire in 2014. Jonny completed 136 dismissals with the gloves, including 113 catches and 23 stumpings whilst also leading Oxfordshire to the NCCA Championship title as captain in 2021.
Jonny Cater said:
“I have decided to step away from the red ball game and concentrate on our white ball campaigns from 2023. This is a decision which wasn’t taken lightly, but in order to lengthen my county career I felt this is a decision I needed to take. Playing a full season of national counties cricket certainly takes it out of you, and with a young family to support, it was becoming more and more difficult to commit to every game during the season.
Since making my debut down at Dean Park (Dorset) in 2011, I have played every season, and I couldn’t have wished for a greater period in my career. I loved the challenge of playing the longer format of the game, and with that came some unbelievable memories. Becoming captain in 2017 was a great honour, and I feel the county has improved immensely over the last 6 seasons. The highlight was winning the championship in 2021. After the NCCA split the regions into divisions, I have seen a big step up in standard, with all 5 teams competing, making it a compelling league structure. So to win this in its first year was a great achievement. I believe there will be more success for the county in the future in this format.
Looking ahead I am looking forward to getting out there training and getting the team prepared for the white ball competitions. After last year’s T20 success it has given everyone the appetite to strive for more silverware, and we will certainly be doing our best to bring some home in 2023.”
Head Coach, Rupert Evans said:
“Jonny has played a major role for Oxfordshire in 3-day championship cricket over the last twelve years. He was initially selected as a middle order batter then took on the role of wicket-keeper/batter in 2013 after Ian Hawtin retired.
He has also captained the side successfully during the last six years. During this period, he has developed into one of the best batters in NCCA cricket, so he’ll leave a massive hole for us to fill now that he has decided to retire from 3-day cricket.
I have enjoyed working with Jonny during his time as player and captain, so I’m disappointed he has decided to retire from 3-day cricket but fully respect his decision.”