By Matt Somerford
Lancashire have signed three of their most promising academy graduates to their first professional contract as they prepare for life in LV= County Championship Division Two.
In one of Ashley Giles’ first moves since his arrival at the club last weekhe has tied down deals for England Under-19s trio Haseeb Hameed, Matthew Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood.
It is a sign that Giles is ready to give youth a chance as he attempts to build his squad with an eye to the future after being appointed head coach and cricket director.
Lancashire suffered their second relegation in three years on the final day of the season last month.
“Internal development will be key to our medium and long-term sustainability and success,” Giles said.
“These young players are the future of Lancashire cricket and I look forward to working closely with them over the coming years.”
All three players have been included in the latest England Development Programme squad and will be a part of a camp on the subcontinent in December before touring Australia in March-April ahead of the new season.
Hameed played a starring role as England Under-19s whitewashed their South Africa counterparts 5-0 in a youth one-day international series during August.
The 17-year-old hit back-to-back scores of 97 in the opening two gamesbefore his 125 in the third match sealed the series at the first time of asking.
Those performances came a fortnight after he struck a century for Lancashire Second XI in a Trophy match away to Glamorgan in Cardiff, the same game that leg-spinner Parkinson claimed 6-28.
Parkinson, who like Hameed was born in Bolton, has progressed through the age groups at Emirates Old Trafford and took six wickets on his England Under-19s debut before claiming a hat-trick for the under-17s against Pakistan.
Seamer Mahmood, who lives in Rochdale, was elevated to the EDP last season after a year in Lancashire’s academy.
He made his international debut for the under-19s against South Africa and a statement from Lancashire stated he “bowls with really good pace and has a natural shape away from the right-handed bat”.
Academy director, John Stanworth, added: “I am delighted the county have recognised the potential and achievements of these three youngsters and given them the opportunity to develop quickly as full-time professionals.”