Nottinghamshire have handed academy graduate Luke Wood a two-year professional contract.
The England Under 19 international has caught the eye with a series of standout performances in Second Eleven Cricket.
A left-arm swing-bowler played, Luke played club cricket for Cuckney before joining Nottinghamshire’s academy five years ago.
“I’ve gained more confidence in my skills over the past couple of years and I’ve worked with the coaches to ensure that I become more tactically aware as well as improving the technical aspects of my bowling,” said Wood.
“My plan is to continue to work as hard as I have been to this point because I want to be considered for red ball and white ball cricket.”
Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell added Wood to the touring party that finalised pre-season preparations in Barbados in March and was suitably impressed by his performances.
“Luke caught our eye on our pre-season tour and he has developed his game nicely this year,” said Newell.
“He’s a man for all formats with good pace and a good skillset.”
Wood will become the fifth member of Nottinghamshire’s professional squad to have come through the academy along with Sam Wood, Jake Ball, Samit Patel, Sam Kelsall and Brett Hutton while Andy Carter, Luke Fletcher and Alex Hales were also given their first chance in the professional game at Trent Bridge.
“We want to ensure that local players with the required talent are given the opportunity to become part of our squad but they have to be good enough,” said Newell.
“Luke fits that bill and he has the confidence, the commitment to training and the skills to be successful.”