Nottinghamshire Contract For Jake Ball

England Under-19 international Jake Ball has signed a new two year deal with Nottinghamshire.

Ball took 3-32 on his home debut for Notts against Leicestershire in the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition having spent 2010 at Trent Bridge on a summer contract.

“This contract means everything to me because it shows that the work that I have put in over the past couple of years has helped to push my case,” said Ball.

“Spending last winter in Australia really helped me to improve my strength and conditioning and my bowling technique and I want to keep progressing at Notts.”

The 19-year-old fast bowler is the nephew of former Nottinghamshire wicket-keeper Bruce French and he becomes the second graduate of the club’s academy to sign a full-time professional deal in as many weeks following Scott Elstone.

“Jake has made good progress and his selection for England Under 19s earlier this year demonstrates that he is one to watch,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“The 40-over competition is perhaps his best route into first team contention and he has already shown that he can be effective in that format.”

Newell remains in negotiations with Charlie Shreck over a new deal and has also confirmed that he is keen to sign another match ready seam bowler.

Notts have been linked with a move for former Gloucestershire bowler Gemaal Hussain but the club are not in the running to sign him.

“I would like to sign another bowler and we’re targeting certain players,” he said.

“We’ve had a very strong seam bowling unit here for a number of years and competition between players is very healthy.”