James Sales signs professional terms with Northamptonshire

The 18-year-old, who is the son of David Sales, made his senior debut against Somerset in the Royal London Cup before making his first-class bow against Surrey in September

James Sales has received his first professional contract with Northamptonshire, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal which will keep him with the club until at least the end of the 2023 season.

Sales, whose father, David, made over 500 appearance for Northamptonshire, made his senior debut for the club against Somerset in the Royal London Cup in August before making his first-class bow against Surrey in September.

The 18-year-old made three List A appearances, scoring 47 runs. In the County Championship, he scored 112 runs in three appearances – including a maiden first-class half-century against Durham – and took three wickets with his medium right-arm bowling.

Earlier in the summer, Sales was named in England’s 18-strong Under-19s squad to face West Indies before being recalled by his county.

Commenting on signing his first professional contract, Sales said: "It feels really good to have signed my first pro contract. It’s been a goal of mine since I was young, so it almost feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

"I’m trying to make myself known in the game as James Sales rather than being David Sales’ son. Dad’s career at Northamptonshire obviously lasted 20 years and I’ve been playing at Northants since I was 9, so to carry it on is pretty special."

Discussing his England call-up, he continued: "Of course it would have been nice to make my England Under-19 debut, but I was extremely happy and excited when I was recalled to Northamptonshire and got the opportunity to represent my county."

Head coach, John Sadler, added: "He’s a natural athlete who bats, bowls and fields. He’s very calm and composed, and we’ve seen that already when he’s gone in under pressure.

"He’s really shown that he belongs at this level and we’re looking forward to nurturing him over the next few years. He’s a cricketer with a very high ceiling and we’re excited about that."