Lancashire sign England Under-19 international Josh Boyden to first rookie contract

The left-armer helped England reach the World Cup final in the Caribbean and has been rewarded for his continued development

England Under-19 international Josh Boyden has signed his first rookie contract with Lancashire. 

The left-arm seamer is no stranger to the Red Rose, having been a product of the county age-group pathway and joining the academy in 2020.

Boyden was a significant reason behind England Under-19s reaching the World Cup final earlier this year, finishing the tournament with a team-high 15 wickets in the Caribbean.

The 18-year-old regularly opened the bowling, impressively swinging the new ball, while his death bowling skills at the end of the innings were crucial in limiting the batting side's total. 

A Chorley native, Boyden came through the age groups at his local Euxton Cricket Club, before joining Wigan CC and playing in the Liverpool Premier League since 2021. 

Boyden has made the step up in the last two seasons, featuring for Lancashire's 2nd XI, and was named in the first-team squad for the first time last month – a T20 Blast match against Northants Steelbacks.

"I am delighted to have been given this opportunity by Lancashire Cricket and cannot wait to get started on a full-time basis," Boyden said.

^{Boyden was part of the Lancs squad that played Northants in the Blast (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)}

"This rookie contract is the culmination of years of hard work but also the start of another journey for me, into making it as a professional cricketer with Lancashire."

"It was fantastic to be in and around the first-team squad earlier this summer and it has made me even more determined and hungry to keep working hard and eventually make my debut for the Red Rose."

Director of cricket performance Mark Chilton added: "I would like to congratulate Josh, his family and everybody who has been with him on his journey in cricket so far.

"Josh is one of the most exciting young bowlers in the country, as was showcased in his performances for England Under-19s at the World Cup which caught the attention of the nation.

"This rookie contract is a reward for all his efforts over many years, he has shown an excellent attitude to his development throughout his pathway journey, and hopefully this is the start of a long career with Lancashire."

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