Worcestershire sign Ben Cox for four years

Worcestershire have signed Ben Cox, a 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, on a four-year contract. Cox, a product of Worcestershire's age-group structure, played one first-class match last season against Somerset, scoring 61 and stumping Marcus Trescothick.

"Ben will finish his A levels next summer and then join us on a full time professional contract," Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire's director of cricket, said. "He is a very good athlete and has chosen cricket as his future sport - a decision we are delighted about. He is a product of our Academy under the guidance of Damian D'Oliveira. He showed real character on his debut and I look forward to working with him over the next few years."

Cox had previously been allowed out of lessons at Bromsgrove School to make his debut this year, and he was "delighted" to go full-time now. "I am already looking forward to the challenges ahead in the future years," he said. "Being a local lad and having played in the youth setup and Academy, I would like to thank the club, particularly Steve Rhodes and Damian D'Oliveira, for giving me this opportunity. I am very excited for the coming season and look to further my development and to perform to the best of my ability and in the best interests of the club."