Chris Benjamin signs three-year deal with Warwickshire

The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored 60 runs off 34 balls in his one T20 appearance for Birmingham Bears before shining for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred

Chris Benjamin has signed a three-year deal with Warwickshire, keeping him at Edgbaston until the end of the 2024 season.

The 22-year-old joined the Bears on a rookie contract in July and immediately impressed, scoring 60 not out off 34 balls on his T20 Blast debut against Northamptonshire Steelbacks and a further 50 runs four days later in his maiden List A outing against Glamorgan.

The wicketkeeper-batsman continued his excellent form for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, scoring 112 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 126.58. Notable performances included a match-winning 24 not out on debut against London Spirit, and a player of the match-winning 37 not out from 16 balls against Oval Invincibles.

Prior to making his debut for Warwickshire, Benjamin starred for the second XI, scoring 149 from just 66 balls – a club record – in a T20 against Glamorgan in June before captaining the Bears to Second XI T20 Trophy glory at Arundel a week later.

Commenting on his new contract, Benjamin said: "I’m delighted to tie-down my future with Warwickshire County Cricket Club. The Bears have believed in me from the beginning after offering me a trial and rookie contract and I can’t wait to repay their faith.

"The Bears squad have potential to win trophies and I want to contribute to future success in the short and long-term in all formats."

Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, added: "We’re delighted that Chris has committed his immediate future to the county. Chris has shown his incredible talent not just in front of the Warwickshire members, but on the world stage too in The Hundred.

"Since signing his rookie contract, Chris has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and aged only 22, we believe that he has the opportunity to reach the higher echelons of the game."