James Hayes signs two-year contract with Nottinghamshire

The 21-year-old made his first-team debut for Nottinghamshire during the Royal London Cup, taking 2 for 58 against Middlesex and 0 for 32 against Durham

James Hayes has signed a two-year contract with Nottinghamshire, which will keep him at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2024 season.

The 21-year-old, who earned a one-year deal in 2021, has featured regularly for the 2nd XI this season, taking 21 wickets in seven Championship fixtures.

He made his first team debut for Nottinghamshire in the Royal London Cup, taking 2 for 58 against Middlesex and 0 for 32 against Durham. Both fixtures were played at Grantham.

Commenting on his new contract, Hayes said: "My game has come on massively in the last 18 months, and getting this extension feels like a reward for the work I have put in to improve physically and technically.

^{Hayes made his first team debut during Nottinghamshire's Royal London Cup campaign [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

"I need to thank those who have been a part of that process, including coaches and players who have shown me what is required to perform at this level.

"To get the opportunity to remain for two more years provides a bit of security, and I am really excited to see how I can continue to progress in that time."

Head coach, Peter Moores, added: "What I love about James is that he combines being really humble and grateful for the experience with belief in his ability, a strong desire to learn and a determination to put in the hard work needed to get better.  

"He has a point of difference with his pace, and how much he has learned from being in a professional environment has been clear to see in his performances this year.

"Developing upcoming talent like James, increasing the pool and quality of players pushing for selection across all formats, is a big part of what we are about as a club.

"He has a great working relationship with our coaches, and with Kevin Shine as his mentor in particular, and we are excited about what the future might bring."