Northamptonshire agree contract extension with Emilio Gay

The 20-year old opener has signed a contract extension until the end of 2022 after making four appearances in last season's Bob Willis Trophy

Emilio Gay has signed a contract extension with Northamptonshire to keep him at the club until at least the end of 2022.

After coming through the Northamptonshire academy, the 20-year old batsman made his First Class debut in 2019 in a rain-affected match against Gloucestershire.

Last season, the left-handed opener made four appearances in the Bob Willis Trophy, recording his maiden half-century with an impressive 77 not out against Glamorgan in August.

"The club, coaches and captains have shown immense confidence in me, as a 20-year-old to get given a two year contract, which I am very grateful for," Gay said.

"Rosso [Adam Rossington], Cobby [Josh Cobb] and Rips [David Ripley] are very good at giving us the reassurance to go out and express ourselves and play our own game, which I hope to repay with runs next season.

"I’m looking to score big runs and to cement my place as a first team player and most importantly, win games of cricket for Northamptonshire."

We're delighted to announce Emilio Gay has signed a contract extension. 💪

— Northamptonshire CCC (@NorthantsCCC) January 12, 2021

"I’m looking to score big runs and to cement my place as a first team player and most importantly, win games of cricket for Northamptonshire.

"We had lots of young players who haven’t played a lot of first team cricket come through last year and not look out of place, which is a great sign for the club."

Gay added that he was keen to break into Northamptonshire’s limited overs sides, stating: "I can’t stress enough how much I would like to break in to the 50-over squad. I will work as hard as possible to make sure I’m not just pigeonholed as a red ball specialist."

County cricket ins and outs 2021: Signings, transfers, squad updates

Meanwhile, Northamptonshire’s red-ball captain, Adam Rossington, praised the youngster’s potential, saying: "Emilio has shown glimpses of what he can do last year and no doubt he will have benefitted from the experience.
 
"It’s great for the club to have a young player of his potential and someone who’s work ethic is second to none."