Durham Cricket are excited to announce top order batter Ben McKinney has signed a two-year contract with the Club.
After signing his first professional deal in 2023, McKinney hit new heights during the 2024 season and has been rewarded with a contract lasting until the end of the 2026 season.
The 20-year-old broke into Durham’s top order in the County Championship in August, scoring a memorable 121 from 129 balls, notching his maiden first-class century in an innings victory over Nottinghamshire.
McKinney also enjoyed a fruitful Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign, scoring 291 runs at an average of almost 50, including scoring his maiden professional century in victory over Kent at Canterbury.
The left-hander 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 – where he signed his maiden professional deal in 2023.
The Seaham born cricketer, has also been a regular in the England performance pathway, captaining England Under-19s and impressing for the England Lions in recent matches over Sri Lanka and West Indies.
McKinney said: “It feels good to have signed this new deal with Durham, having been at the club since I was a kid and to then play a part over the last two years; I am really excited to see what is next for Durham.
“Durham is such as a special club to play for, especially the way we have gone about our business over the last couple of years under Ryan Campbell.
“It was a no brainer to commit to a new contract with the club, the way Durham is going as a county is exciting and I am look forward to creating more special memories in a Durham shirt.”
Director of Cricket, Marcus North said: “Ben possesses a huge amount of talent, and we’ve all seen a glimpse of what he can do in a Durham shirt during the 2024 season.
“He has all the attributes to be an outstanding top order batter in all formats for Durham over a long period of time, making him an exciting prospect for years to come.
“We are incredibly proud of our youth pathway and Ben is another product who has progressed onto a professional contract and making strides in the professional game.”