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Durham Cricket announce rookie deals for six young cricketers

by Durham CCC & Cricket World Monday 7 November 2022

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Stanley McAlindon, Ben McKinney, Ross Whitfield and Mitchell Killeen have all signed rookie deals for the first time, while Harry Crawshaw and Luke Doneathy have signed one-year rookie contract extensions.

All six of Durham’s 2023 rookie contract players have progressed through the club’s youth set up before making their Academy and 2XI debuts in recent years.

Five of Durham’s 2023 rookie squad have made their professional debuts in the last two summers, with McAlindon making his First-class and List A debut for the club this summer, while Mitchell Killeen also made his List A debut in the 2022 season.

Ben McKinney, Ross Whitfield, Mitchell Killeen and Stanley McAlindon also made their England Under 19 debuts this past summer.

18-year-old McKinney captained the Three Lions in both Test and List A cricket alongside his Durham team mates as they took on Sri Lanka in August and September.

Whitfield was England’s leading run scorer with 281 runs while McKinney scored 243 runs to finish just behind Ross.

Marcus North, Director of Cricket said: “This group of young players have had a successful journey through our pathway and Academy and thoroughly deserve their opportunity to join our professional squad.

“Throughout the 2022 season we have seen them break into our Second XI, make professional 1XI team appearances for Durham or represent the England Young Lions. We are extremely excited to support and nurture their development further during the next 12 months.”