Worcestershire hand new contract to highly regarded youngster Henry Cullen

Cullen, 20, made four appearances in last year's Royal London Cup, but he is expected to be a beneficiary of Ben Cox's anticipated departure to Leicestershire, which The Cricketer reported last month

Worcestershire have handed young wicketkeeper-batter Henry Cullen a new two-year contract.

Cullen, 20, made four appearances in last year's Royal London Cup, but he is expected to be a beneficiary of Ben Cox's anticipated departure to Leicestershire, which The Cricketer reported last month.

Cullen only signed professional terms for the first time ahead of this summer, but he has impressed in second-team cricket for his home county.

"I'm very, very happy," said Cullen. "Coming up through the age groups, it was always a big goal of mine to play for Worcestershire and it means a lot, having another two years.

"The first year, I feel like it has gone well. It was quite a slow start to the season with all the bad weather, but I feel like I've taken a step forward.

^{Gareth Roderick has established himself as Worcestershire's red-ball keeper (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

"I would have liked to have got a couple of hundreds, but I'm pleased with how it is going so far and, as a team, the seconds have had an excellent season. It has been excellent playing in the side we've got, which is very experienced now."

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson added: "I think Henry has acquitted himself really well and has maturity in abundance, especially on the cricket field. Just watching how he problem-solves, how he works it out, has been great to watch."

He looks set to compete with Gareth Roderick for the gloves, with the former Gloucestershire captain having impressed this season.

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