Josh de Caires: Mike Atherton's son signs Middlesex contract

Middlesex have signed 18-year-old batsman Josh de Caires on a three-year deal.

De Caires is the son of former England captain Mike Atherton and great-grandson of former West Indies batsman Frank de Caires.

The rookie contract will see de Caires remain a Middlesex player until at least the end of the 2023 season and through his time at university.

A product of the Middlesex Academy, de Caires first represented Middlesex at Under-14 level, hitting an unbeaten 90 on debut against Essex Under-14s in 2015. He made his second XI debut in 2017 at the age of 15 and last year scored a Second XI Championship century against Hampshire.

"He is a very talented top-order batsman with good pedigree," Middlesex head coach Stuart Law said. "We look forward to working with him over the coming years and helping in his development as a player and a young man."