Second XI Championship winner Sam Wood signs professional terms with Leicestershire

The 19-year-old, who took 13 wickets at 23.15 last term and stands at 6ft 4ins, has been rewarded for his progress with a two-year rookie contract at Grace Road

Nick Howson | 20/12/2023 at 13:41

Leicestershire have handed Sam Wood, part of the Second XI Championship triumph, his first professional contract in the form of a two-year rookie deal.

The 19-year-old took 13 wickets at 23.15 to help Dips Patel's side finish top.

Standing at 6ft 4ins, Wood also averaged 35.65 with the bat and 18.90 with the ball for the Leicestershire academy.

Following in the recent footsteps of Rehan Ahmed, Harry Swindells and Josh Hull, Wood's next aim is to earn first-team recognition.

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_{Josh Hull celebrates on Leicestershire route to One-Day Cup glory 2Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

"It's been very encouraging to see so many lads come through the Academy. Someone like Hully acts as a great inspiration," he said.

"I've worked with him a lot over the past couple of years and we're very close, so it's great to see what he's done at first team level. Hopefully, I can emulate that form next season."

Director of cricket Claude Henderson added: "It's fantastic to see Sam getting his rookie contract. He is another young, exciting talent from our academy and he adds a threat in all three departments.

"We are really looking forward to following his progress in the coming seasons."