Josh de Caires signs three-year Middlesex deal

The 18-year-old has agreed a three-year rookie deal, which will see the academy product remain with the county through his university studies until at least the end of the 2023 season

Young batsman Josh de Caires has signed his first professional contract with Middlesex.

The 18-year-old has agreed a three-year rookie deal, which will see the academy product remain with the county through his university studies until at least the end of the 2023 season.

The right-handed opener, who is the son of former England batsman Michael Atherton, first represented Middlesex at under-14 level, hitting an unbeaten 90 on his debut against Essex in 2015.

He featured during the first team’s pre-season preparations for the Bob Willis Trophy, taking part in a two-day friendly against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.

Middlesex head coach Stuart Law said: “It’s great to have Josh sign on as a rookie for the next three years.

“He is a very talented top order batsman with good pedigree, and we look forward to working with him over the coming years and helping in his development as a player and a young man.”

De Caires added: “I’m really excited to have been given the opportunity to be a pro at Middlesex. I’m looking forward to what the next three years have in store.”

His deal represents a positive piece of recruitment news for the club, having lost another academy product, Tom Lace, to Gloucestershire on a permanent deal in early August.

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