Ex-student Sam Bates signs professional contract

Leicestershire County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Sam Bates has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Wicket-keeper Bates is a graduate from Leicestershire’s flourishing Academy and has previously played for the club’s Second XI.

A left-handed batsman, Bates made an excellent century against Northants Second XI, and also opened the batting later in the season against a Lancashire attack that included England international James Anderson.

Subject to ECB confirmation, Bates will be available for selection for tomorrow’s game against Nottinghamshire CCC, and for the rest of the 2020 season.

Upon signing his first professional contract in cricket with Leicestershire, Bates said: “It is a dream come true to sign a contract with my hometown club.

“It has been great to be able to link up the professional squad and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Head Coach Paul Nixon said: “Sam impressed us while on the Academy and we had big plans for him to have a summer in our Second XI, but sadly that didn’t materialise because of the pandemic.

“However it is great to be welcoming Sam into the fold and we now have three Leicester-born wicket-keepers on our staff, which is something we are all proud of.”

WELL DONE SAM – BGLC are so proud of you!
#BGLC_PE