Nottinghamshire have won the race to sign Stuart Broad, the hottest young prospect in county cricket.

The 21-year-old fast-bowler, one of the stars this week when England beat India in the opening match of the NatWest One-day Series, has informed Leicestershire that he is leaving to move to Trent Bridge.

Said Notts Director of Cricket, Mick Newell: “As soon as we knew that Stuart would be available we had to be interested - but so were a lot of other counties. I know that he’s had some very good offers to consider and we’re delighted he has agreed to join us.

“He’s the best young prospect in this country and further down the line, I’m sure he will be a regular in the England team. But he’s still very young with a lot to learn and we’re really pleased that he has chosen to do that with us.

“If Stuart was already playing regularly in the England team, I would have thought more carefully about signing him. But I think Peter Moores wants him to play more county cricket and develop his game.

“We can help him do that and he can certainly help us. Bowling on Trent Bridge pitches with their carry, bounce and swing will suit his style and having him available is an exciting prospect for next season.

“Obviously Stuart has a strong affiliation with Trent Bridge because his father Chris opened the batting for Notts for many years, but I’m not sure that influenced his decision too much. He’s an ambitious young man who is determined to make his own mark in the game.”

Although born in Nottingham, Broad became involved with Leicestershire while he was at Oakham School and admits it is a wrench to leave Grace Road.

He said: “I’m proud to have represented Leicestershire since I first appeared in their Under-9 representative side and I owe the county a lot. But I just feel that the time is right for a change and the chance to move to Trent Bridge is very attractive to me.

“I believe there is no better place for me to play – and continue my improvement as a cricketer in a team capable of winning trophies.

“People will automatically assume that I’ve chosen Notts because I grew up on the boundary edge while my dad was there as a player, but it is very much my decision to move to Trent Bridge.”

Broad, who is not eligible to play for Notts until next season, is involved with England in the one-day international series against India until September 8, and then flies immediately to South Africa as a member of England’s 15-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup.