Luke Radford begins his first steps towards a first-class career © Warwickshire CCC Enlarge

Luke Radford, the son of the former Worcestershire and England seamer Neal, has joined the Warwickshire academy for the 2006 season. He has impressed with performances for Bromsgrove School and his club, Evesham.

Warwickshire have been keeping tabs on the youngster for the past year and are excited by the promise he shows. Richard Cox, the academy director, said: "He is a right-arm seamer and right-hand batter who strikes the ball cleanly and will win games for Warwickshire this season.

"He has overcome a back complaint over the winter and remodelled his action under the guidance of the Warwickshire medical staff and bowling coach Steve Perryman and we are delighted with his efforts. We are delighted to have captured him at a key point in his career and hope that he will progress to higher levels of cricket whilst he is with us"

Radford is excited by the opportunity and keen to get started. "I am delighted to have been asked to join the Warwickshire Academy. All the lads who are involved in the set up have huge potential and I am delighted that people think highly of me as a cricketer. I know that the support I will be getting will be second to none and I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that come my way."