Woakes and Bethell on ECB Central Contracts list

Jacob Bethell’s performances for the Bears and England have been rewarded after the ECB handed him an England Development Contract.

The 21-year-old is one of three players – alongside Leicestershire’s Josh Hull and John Turner from Hampshire – to be awarded a development deal which recognises the country’s most exciting young talent.

He’s one of seven new faces, from a total of 29, to feature on the updated Central Contract list for England Men’s international cricket.

Warwickshire’s Chris Woakes remains centrally contracted and is in the second year of a two-year deal awarded last October.

Bethell said: “It’s hugely satisfying and a very happy moment for me when I was offered something like that. For the ECB to have faith in me and put something longer term in place is great.

“Hopefully that Development Contract can turn into a full Central Contract, in the coming years – but that just comes down to me putting in the performances. That’s a big incentive for me.”

The contract system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the previous year.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: “The strength and depth of talent across England Men’s red and white-ball cricket is clear in the quality of players who are centrally contracted.

“These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England Men’s teams. Both our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country.

“I want to congratulate all the players who have signed new central contracts ahead of what is set to be an exciting period for England Men’s cricket.”