Kai Smith gets Warwickshire rookie deal for Royal London Cup

The 17-year-old came to Warwickshire on the recommendation of the club's former allrounder Dougie Brown

Warwickshire have promoted wicketkeeper Kai Smith from the club's academy on a rookie contract.

Smith, who played for the UAE in the recent Under-19 World Cup, where he top-scored with the bat with 49 against Ireland at Port of Spain in Trinidad, will be part of the first-team squad for the upcoming Royal London Cup.

The 17-year-old came to Warwickshire on the recommendation of the club's former allrounder Dougie Brown.

The Bears will be missing Alex Davies during the upcoming 50-over competition, with the keeper attached to the Southern Brave setup in The Hundred. Smith will provide backup for the gloves to Michael Burgess. 

^{Warwickshire have handed a contract to Kai Smith [Getty Images]}

Director of cricket Paul Farbrace said: "Kai is a talented cricketer who will give us another batting and wicketkeeping option in the Royal London Cup.

"Kai has impressed in the 2nd XI and I'm sure the experience he gained at the Under-19 World Cup will give him plenty of confidence ahead of the competition."

Smith said: "I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I can't wait for the tournament to start. The World Cup was a fantastic experience and I'm looking so forward to this opportunity with the Bears."

Main image credit: Warwickshire CCC

Related Topics

• Sam Billings signs contract extension with Kent
• Grant Stewart extends Kent stay: "It's a great club"