Academy graduate and top-order batter Sol Budinger has signed a new one-year contract with Nottinghamshire. 

The extension comes on the back of a prolific season in Second XI cricket for the aggressive left-hander, who also took his formative steps into the first team arena in the Vitality Blast and Royal London Cup in 2021.

The 22-year-old posted three centuries and five fifties across formats for the second team last summer, all quicker than a run-a-ball, including 114 from 38 deliveries in a T20 against Derbyshire. 

His most significant contribution for the senior side was a 61-ball 73 in a 50-over fixture against Yorkshire.

“2021 represented a year of personal growth and it’s great to get the opportunity for that to continue,” Budinger said. 

“The time I’ve spent within the first team so far has been a great learning experience for me, with a group of lads who made me feel welcome from the outset. 

“That’s the environment in which I want to spend more of my time, hopefully for many years to come.

“It’s going to take some hard yards to achieve that, but I’m here to do whatever it takes.”

Born in Essex before moving to Australia aged six, Budinger returned to England to play club cricket in 2018 before quickly finding himself on Nottinghamshire’s books after being recommended to Assistant Coach Ant Botha.

He graduated through the club’s Academy to sign his first professional deal in 2020.

“Whether it’s opening the batting in white-ball cricket, or batting anywhere in the top six against the red ball, Sol is an exciting prospect,” said Head Coach Peter Moores. 

“He’s one of a number of players to emerge from the club’s Academy in recent years and join the professional ranks, and it’s great to see that young, homegrown talent coming through.  

“The way Sol goes about his batting, always looking to take the positive option, is something that resonates with his teammates and embodies how we go about our cricket.

“We all see great potential in him as a player and we’ll be working hard to help unlock some more of that in 2022.”

*******

Nottinghamshire membership for the 2022 season is on sale now, with those who join our club bestowed access to all scheduled home domestic cricket alongside a plethora of additional perks.

Secure your membership for 2022 here…