Will Naish signs Gloucestershire rookie contract

The 18-year-old allrounder played more second XI games than any other Gloucestershire player last season

Will Naish has signed a two-year rookie contract deal at Gloucestershire.

The 18-year-old allrounder played more second XI games than any other Gloucestershire player last season and will now set about life in the professional game.

Naish said: "I'm very excited to have signed with Gloucestershire, the club I have been involved with since I was 10 years old. It's something any young cricketer dreams of and to do so is a really special feeling."

The right-armer's standout display with the ball in the second team last season came with figures of 3 for 62 against a strong Surrey side.

With the bat, Naish made a pair of half-centuries against Yorkshire - 74 off 102 in the first innings and 54 off 119 in the second, in a 156-run partnership with Jack Taylor.

He averaged a shade over 30 with the bat across 2021.

Gloucestershire's talent pathway chief, Tim Hancock, said: "Will is a fantastic young player who has shown a great dedication to his craft as he made his way through the county age groups and into the Gloucestershire academy.

"He is a powerfully built allrounder whose versatility has already seen him contribute in different roles for the second XI."