England Under-19s seamer Luke Wood has signed a two-year professional contract to remain at Nottinghamshire.
Wood has moved to the fringes of Nottinghamshire’s first team with a series of impressive second XI performances, while he helped England Under-19s to a 5-0 whitewash of South Africa in their youth one-day international series last month.
“I’ve gained more confidence in my skills over the past couple of years and I’ve worked with the coaches to ensure that I become more tactically aware as well as improving the technical aspects of my bowling,” said Wood, who was a part of the squad for Nottinghamshire’s LV= County Championship trip to Durham this week.
“My plan is to continue to work as hard as I have been to this point because I want to be considered for red ball and white ball cricket.”
Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell has included Wood in the pre-season touring party to Barbados and has been impressed since.
“Luke caught our eye on our pre-season tour and he has developed his game nicely this year,” said Newell.
“He’s a man for all formats with good pace and a good skillset.”
Wood becomes the fifth player in Nottinghamshire’s professional squad to have come through the academy, along with Sam Wood, Jake Ball, Samit Patel, Sam Kelsall and Brett Hutton.
Andy Carter, Luke Fletcher and Alex Hales were given their first chance in the professional game at Trent Bridge.
“We want to ensure that local players with the required talent are given the opportunity to become part of our squad but they have to be good enough,” said Newell.
“Luke fits that bill and he has the confidence, the commitment to training and the skills to be successful.”