Warwickshire has signed wicketkeeper Kai Smith on a rookie contract for the 2022 Royal London Cup campaign.

The 17-year-old from Dubai has been promoted from the Warwickshire Academy, having made his Warwickshire Second XI debut in 2021.

Recommended to the Bears by Club legend Dougie Brown, Smith played for the United Arab Emirates in the Men’s Under 19 Cricket World Cup this year.

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 Second XI and I’m sure the experience he gained at the U19s Cricket World Cup will give him plenty of confidence ahead of the competition.”

Kai 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 so looking forward to this opportunity with the Bears.”