Josh Hull signs two-year deal with Leicestershire

The 18-year-old academy bowler made three 2nd XI appearances in 2022, picking up one wicket

Josh Hull has signed a two-year deal with Leicestershire.

The 18-year-old pace bowler made three 2nd XI appearances in 2022, picking up one wicket, as well as taking 28 wickets at an average of 2016 for the academy.

The 6ft 7" prospect also featured for a Young Lions Invitational XI in a three-day match against Sri Lanka Under-19s in August.

Commenting on signing his first deal, Hull said: "It's a dream come true to sign a two-year contract with Leicestershire and I'm really looking forward to the season ahead.

^{Jigar Naik, Leicestershire's head of talent pathway was full of praise for Hull [Matthew Lewis/Getty Images]}

"I relished the opportunities to develop in the academy and second XI this season and being invited to join the first-team squad in Derbyshire was an amazing experience.

"It's an incredible opportunity for me to progress as a player by working alongside the coaches and highly-experienced players."

Head of talent pathway, Jigar Naik, added: "Josh has good pace and possesses the ability to swing the ball back in, which offers crucial variation to our pace attack.

"His constant hunger to succeed and improve shone through, which will stand him in good stead as he transitions into senior cricket.

"Josh's development over the past year has been very impressive and if he continues that trajectory, it will be very exciting to see what he can achieve."