Match Preview: Southern Vipers v Central Sparks, RHFT
Southern Vipers have named a 14 -player squad to take on Central Sparks at Wormsley in their first home match of 2024
Hampshire Cricket are pleased to announce that batsman Joe Weatherley and leg-spinner Mason Crane have signed their first professional contracts with the Club.
The highly-rated duo, who have featured prominently for the Hampshire Academy and Hampshire Second XI this season, have signed two-year development contracts keeping them at the The Ageas Bowl until the end of the 2017 season.
I’m delighted to have signed and to be able to commit my future to Hampshire is great. The club have played a big role in my development and instilling that confidence to perform consistently at a high level - it was really great to then know that they have seen something in me. Hopefully it’s just the start of a long career here and now it’s important to continue improving my skill-set going forward in order to contribute further to the team’s on-field success
Joe Weatherley
Weatherley and Crane, both 18 years of age, are products of Hampshire’s youth set-up having represented the county from an early age at age-group level.
Both players have also represented England U19’s within the last 12 months, with Weatherley captaining the side on their most recent tour to Australia. The pair have also gained valuable experience so far this season with involvement in the first-team’s match preparations.
This year has been important in terms of improving and working on my game and being involved with the first-team has also been a great opportunity. Being able to learn and pick up things from the players and coaches has been great and hopefully that’ll stand me in good stead to hopefully continue to contribute in the first-team in the future
Mason Crane
Crane picked up the prize wickets of Kumar Sangakarra and Vikram Solanki during his T20 debut for Hampshire against Surrey at the The Ageas Bowl on Friday 10 July.
I am delighted for both players who thoroughly deserve their contracts. They have been fully committed and dedicated to the Academy programme and now have every opportunity of moving themselves further in the game.
Bobby Parks, Academy Director
Joe has come through the elite programme at Hampshire from an early age and has scored more runs for County junior sides than any other batsman. A brilliantly consistent opening batsman who now turns his hand to off spin.
Mason’s commitment to Hampshire has been outstanding and has involved many hours of travel from his school at Lancing to training sessions at the The Ageas Bowl. An exciting leg-spinner whose command of the art has earned him a Hampshire contract
Southern Vipers have named a 14 -player squad to take on Central Sparks at Wormsley in their first home match of 2024
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