Surrey sign Josh Blake to first professional contract

Blake, who made his second-team debut for the county in 2021, has been part of delivering their community programmes and worked with Chance to Shine

Surrey have signed wicketkeeper Josh Blake to his first professional contract, four years after he started coaching for the Surrey Cricket Foundation.

Blake, who made his second-team debut for the county in 2021, has been part of delivering their community programmes.

The 23-year-old is a product of Sutton Cricket Club and spent his winters in Australia prior to beginning as a coach for Chance to Shine. In 2022 alone, he delivered 578 hours of coaching for the charity.

"It's been a long journey to get here but I've always just focused on working hard and trying to improve my game," he said. "I love cricket and I want to play as much as I can.

^{Blake has been working for Chance to Shine (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)}

"During my time working for SCF and Chance to Shine I loved working with the children to build their skills and help to grow the game.

"You have to adapt and be flexible with the differences in ability and experience of the people you work with but it was always really rewarding to see them improving and growing an interest in cricket."

Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, added: "Josh has worked hard to develop his game and has shown commitment and a desire to improve. I'm pleased to welcome him to the club as a professional and I look forward to seeing him take this opportunity."

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