Joe Sayers (cricketer)

Joe Sayers (born Joseph John Sayers, 5 November 1983) is an English first-class cricketer, who has played for the Oxford University Centre of Cricketing Excellence, Oxford University and Yorkshire. He is a left-handed opening batsman and right arm off spin bowler. Sayers was educated at St Mary's School, Menston, and Worcester College, Oxford.

Sayers hit his sixth first-class century, coming off 318 balls and taking over six and a half hours, against Durham at Headingley in the opening home fixture of the 2007 season, as he carried his bat through the first innings, hitting a then personal best score of 149 not out. In June 2007, he surpassed this score against Kent at the Nevill Ground, Royal Tunbridge Wells, scoring 187. Sayers played club cricket for Hoylandswaine Cricket Club in the Huddersfield Premier League. His first-class career with Yorkshire commenced in 2004.

On 15 August 2009, Sayers replaced Jonathan Trott in the England Lions squad for the tour match against Australia before the fifth Ashes Test match.

In 2010, Sayers was diagnosed with post-viral fatigue syndrome. It meant that his season was over before it had really started, and whilst his playing colleagues made a serious attempt at the County Championship title, Sayers was hardly able to walk at home. His recovery led to him being picked for action in the less successful 2011 campaign.

In 2012, Sayers signed a new two-year contract with Yorkshire, although he had slipped from regular first team duties.

He has since then turned his hand to writing with Rose-tinted Summer.