Nick Potts signs rookie contract at Derbyshire

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Potts has gone from strength to strength in 2020 - impressing first team players and coaches during training and practice matches

• Luke Wells and Jack Blatherwick sign for Lancashire
• Sussex re-sign David Wiese for 2021 Vitality Blast

Promising academy pace bowler Nick Potts has signed his first rookie contract with Derbyshire.

18-year-old Potts becomes the lastest player to sign a contract at the club following Harvey Hosein, Matt Critchley, Sam Conners, Tom Wood and Nils Priestle, who all signed new deals.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Potts has gone from strength to strength in 2020 - impressing first team players and coaches during training and practice matches. He also featured for the Young Lions in three Best v Best fixtures at Loughborough, taking a trio of wickets in the three-day fixture before playing a role in two white-ball victories over the south team.

Potts said: “I’ve really enjoyed the occasions when I’ve worked with the first team already, so I’m looking forward to being in that environment permanently.

“Steve Kirby is a great bowling coach, and with us having quite a young bowling attack, I want to learn and develop with them and hopefully get a chance in the first team.”

Derbyshire will begin next season with at least seven gratuates in their squad as head coach Dave Houghton emphasises the importance of developing players at the club suitable of playing all formats.

Head of talent pathway, Daryn Smit, added: “Nick has shown real improvement and quality over the last 12 months, and we’re delighted that he’s earned this opportunity.

“Obviously, this year has not been easy for anyone, and for a player to come through and perform as Nick has shows great resilience, something which is key for any young player looking to break through into the professional game.”

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.