Young cricketers sign up to counties

Date released: 24 September 2007

Joel Pope, a wicket-keeper batsman on the MCC Young Cricketers’ books, is celebrating today after signing a two-year professional contract with Leicestershire CCC.

He will compete for a place in the county’s team with Paul Nixon, England’s wicket-keeper in the 2007 ICC World Cup, himself a former MCC Young Cricketer.

Two of Joel's team-mates have also earned county contracts. Alex Hales, a tall right hand opening batsman has signed a two-year deal with Nottinghamshire, while Andy Sutton, a right-arm fast bowler, has been signed by Somerset.

Will Porterfield in action for Ireland Will Porterfield, a left-hand opening batsman who played in Ireland’s successful World Cup campaign back in April, has also signed a two year deal with a county – Gloucestershire – after a three-year spell as an MCC Young Cricketer, between 2004 and 2006.

Coach's delight

Toasting his players’ achievements is MCC Head Coach, Clive Radley, who boasts an incredible 47 year association with Lord’s, having represented Middlesex and England over the course of a 20 year playing career before heading straight into coaching at the 'Home of Cricket'.

Speaking about the latest professionals to pass through his ranks, Clive said: "I’m really delighted for these guys.

"Joel Pope has got the best pair of hands I’ve seen since becoming MCC Head Coach in 1991, and Alex Hales is a natural timer of the ball who has worked hard at his game and impressed in style while trialling for Nottinghamshire."

"I’m also pleased for Will, who has got his just rewards for impressing with us, Leeds/Bradford UCCE and Ireland.

"Signing for Gloucestershire continues our strong links with that county. These lads have done us proud and I wish them well for their future careers."

Leicestershire's new signing: Joel Pope Joel Pope, nephew of Middlesex wicket-keeper Ben Scott, will now winter in Perth, Australia to continue his development - playing grade cricket for Melville CC.

Joel said: "I’m hugely grateful to Clive Radley and Mark Wright, our coach, for helping me to take my game to the next level.

"My year on the Young Cricketers staff has been a steep learning curve and it’s given me great opportunities to develop my all-round game.

"I hope to continue my association with Lord’s in the many years to come and, hopefully, follow in the footsteps of Paul Nixon, who’s had a fantastic career."

Nottinghamshire new-boy: Alex Hales

Sporting Hales family

Alex Hales also served one year on the Young Cricketers’ books and, in an impressive year with the bat, scored over 800 runs in all matches.

Whilst on trial with Nottinghamshire, he made scores of 220, 135 and two 95s.

Sporting talent is in his genes. His grandfather once took Rod Laver to five sets at Wimbledon.

The MCC Young Cricketers have just completed another successful season, finishing mid-table in the 2nd XI Championship and narrowly missing out on the semi-finals of the 2nd XI one-day Trophy.