Fynn Hudson-Prentice of the MCC Young Cricketers has signed a three-year contract with Derbyshire.
Hudson-Prentice, an all-rounder who bowls fast-medium, in his second year as an MCC Young Cricketer, impressed Derbyshire during a trial period with the county, whom he will join on 1st July.
He scored two centuries for Derbyshire II during his trial, in matches against Durham (137 not out) and Worcestershire (104), and his form has earned him a deal until the end of the 2021 season.
He was one of the MCC Young Cricketers’ top performers last season with both bat and ball and the 23 year-old, who made five first-class appearances for Sussex in 2015 and 2016, recognises the importance of the programme for late-developing players.
Hudson-Prentice said: “I’m grateful to the MCC Young Cricketers Programme for the work they have done with me over the past 18 months for me to get this opportunity with Derbyshire.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with Derbyshire so far and I’m pleased to have put in some good performances with bat and ball.”
"He is a credit to MCC and the scheme, and will be a valuable asset to Derbyshire"
MCC Head Coach Ajmal Shahzad said, “For Fynn to secure a three-year contract with Derbyshire is testament to what the MCC Young Cricketers programme does for the county game in England and Wales.
“But this doesn’t come without hard work and commitment from the players, which Fynn has shown in abundance. In the past two years, he has worked incredibly hard at his game and grabbed the opportunities that have presented themselves.
“He is a credit to MCC and the scheme, and will be a valuable asset to Derbyshire.”
Hudson-Prentice will link up with former MCC Head Coach Steve Kirby, who is currently Assistant & Bowling Coach at Derbyshire.
Head of Cricket at Derbyshire Dave Houghton, said: “It is positive to see players coming through the MCC Young Cricketers Programme and into the county game. It’s important that young players have that pathway and this is proof of its success.”
Hudson-Prentice’s deal is the latest success for the programme, which has the aim of preparing young players for professional cricket – especially those who have slipped through the county academies system. There are numerous MCC Young Cricketers around not only the county circuit, but also the international scene, including the current ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, who recently enjoyed a stint with Middlesex in the Royal London One-Day Cup, was an MCC Young Cricketer back in 2002 whilst Afghanistan pair Hamid Hassan and Mohammad Nabi have enjoyed a rapid rise in international cricket since their period at Lord’s in 2006.