Sam Evans

Leicester-born opening batsman Sam Evans, a product of the Grace Road academy, joined the full Leicestershire staff on a summer contract in April 2017 when he was still a student. He made 114 against Northants in just his second first-class innings, for Loughborough MCCU, and was given a Championship debut in the final game of the season against Northants at Grace Road.

Evans signed a new contract in late 2019 after finishing his Geography degree, having been part of a golden generation at Loughborough MCCU, featuring in the same top three as Hasan Azad and James Bracey. Leicestershire signed Ben Slater on loan instead of giving him an opportunity in the Bob Willis Trophy, but after Slater was recalled by parent club Notts, Evans made 85 against Durham to earn him a spot at the start of the 2021 season. Then, things suddenly clicked: he hit hundreds in three successive games, against Surrey, Gloucestershire and Surrey again.

Evans is a nuggety, defensive opening batsman who focuses on survival rather than scoring quickly. He is particularly strong through cover-point, but was perceived as vulnerable against the short ball early in his county career.

ESPNricinfo staff