Durham Cricket are delighted to announce that exciting prospect Ben McKinney has signed his first professional deal with the club.
18-year-old McKinney has put pen to paper on a two-year deal running until at least the end of the 2025 season and is rewarded for a successful year with Durham and England.
The left-hand bat who captained England under-19s over the last 12 months has been impressive for the Three Lions, helping England to their first Test win in Australia since 2003.
He averaged 46.25 during England’s Test summer with two fifties including 74 against Sri Lanka in Derby.
Another 50 came against the UAE in Abu Dhabi while he impressed against Ireland in a one-match Test series.
The Durham Academy product made his Durham first-class debut against Sussex in the opening round of the County Championship, showing attacking flair with a quick fire with 35 off 39 with five fours and one six.
McKinney has been a shining light throughout the pathway and Academy system in Durham progressing from the Durham under-11s team into the professional set up.
He has been a regular in the club’s 2XI team captaining the red ball side, and currently has 440 runs from 5 matches with two fifties and one hundred.
On signing his deal, Ben said: “It’s amazing to have signed this deal with Durham, getting a rookie deal last year was fantastic but to now get a professional deal is a privilege.
“Having progressed through the Durham Academy and pathway teams Durham I am really pleased to extend my stay with Durham, it is a really good team to be a part of.
“I owe a lot of this to John Windows and the work I have done with him growing up, working with John has been a huge help in refining my skills through the Academy and getting me to where I am today.
“I am really looking forward to the next two years, hopefully it is a good ride, hopefully I can make as many first team appearances as possible. I am looking forward to working on my game and look forward to hopefully getting a go in the coming years.”
Director of Cricket, Marcus North said: “We’re extremely delighted that Ben has chosen to sign his first professional deal with his home county.
“At only 18, Ben has shown how much of a talented player he is, and we look forward to seeing his development here at Durham in the coming years.
“Signing a professional deal with your home county is a special feeling for any player and Ben has certainly earned his, excelling in recent performances for both Durham and England Under 19s.
“We are incredibly proud of our youth pathway and Ben is another product who has progressed onto a professional contract.
“Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Ben and wish him the very best of luck as his cricketing journey continues.”