Promising youngster Ben McKinney pens professional terms with Durham

The 18-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the club off the back of an extremely successful year with Durham and England Under-19s

Promising youngster Ben McKinney has penned his first professional contract with boyhood club Durham, which will keep him at Chester-le-Street until the end of the 2025 season.

The 18-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the club off the back of an extremely successful year with Durham and England Under-19s.

McKinney captained England Under-19s to their first Test win in Australia since 2003 over the winter before making his first-class debut against Sussex back in April. Demonstrating his fierce hitting, he struck 35 runs off just 39 balls, including five fours and a six.

A product of the Durham academy, he made his List A debut in the One-Day Cup at the beginning of August and has also impressed in the 2nd XI, scoring 440 runs in five Championship matches.

^{McKinney made his first-class debut at the start of the season [Mike Hewitt/Getty Images]}

McKinney said: "It's amazing to have signed this deal with Durham, getting a rookie deal last year was fantastic but to now get a professional deal is a privilege.

"Having progressed through the Durham academy and pathway teams, I am really pleased to extend my stay with Durham, it is a really good team to be part of.

"I am really looking forward to the next two years. Hopefully it is a good ride, hopefully I can make as many first-team appearances as possible. I am looking forward to working on my game and look forward to hopefully getting a go in the coming years."

Director of cricket, Marcus North added: "We're extremely delighted that Ben has chosen to sign his first professional deal with his home county.

"At only 18, Ben has shown how much of a talented player he is, and we look forward to seeing his development here at Durham in the coming years.

"Signing a professional deal with your home county is a special feeling for any player and Ben has certainly earned his, excelling in recent performances for both Durham and England Under-19s."