Bromley teenager Zak Crawley has signed his first professional contract with Kent County Cricket Club.
The 17-year-old became a regular in the county’s second eleven this summer, scoring a century against Somerset and an unbeaten 64 against Middlesex.
The promising batsman, who was selected for the England Elite Player Development for London this summer, said signing his first deal with Kent is a dream come true.
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“It’s an amazing feeling and definitely a dream come true,” he told News Shopper.
“It’s been a goal and a dream of mine since I was 11.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all - I had a decent season for my age and thought if I could have another good season I could get a contract.
“To get it now was surprising but absolutely brilliant.”
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The Kent Cricket Academy graduate will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of a growing pool of homegrown talent, which includes the likes of Adam Riley, Alex Blake and England international Sam Billings.
“Kent have a great record of producing young players from the area and it would be great to follow in their footsteps,” Crawley added.
“It’s very difficult to get into the first-team and there’s a lot of competition but to get a game will be my next goal.”
Crawley, a Tonbridge School student, believes his best chance of featuring for Kent will come in 50-over cricket, although the teenager insists he is developing his game across all formats.
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He said: “I like to think of myself as an aggressive batsman who probably best suits 50-over cricket because that’s what I’ve played the most of.
“But I think I’m versatile and can play all formats.
“I have a busy winter ahead of me and I’m keen to continue working hard on my game.”
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