The Nottinghamshire pace bowling duo of Jake Ball and Brett Hutton have each signed new contracts with the Club having progressed to the first team from the Club’s age-group system and Academy.
Ball, who has made 32 first team appearances in all competitions in 2015 taking 57 wickets, has agreed a three year contract, while Hutton, who has become a mainstay of the four day side during the second half of the season, has extended his stay with Nottinghamshire by a further two years.
While Ball’s standout performance for the season was match-figures of 9 for 67 in the LV= County Championship victory over Sussex at Trent Bridge, Hutton’s 23 first-class wickets at 29.30 included best figures of 3 for 44 against Durham in his first appearance of the season back in May.
“It has been terrific to see two locally produced young cricketers come through and it’s good news for the Club that they’ve signed new contracts,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.
“Jake has had a fantastic campaign, starting with his performances during pre-season when he was our best bowler, and he has continued to become a leading performer in all formats.
“Brett has had a big impact on the four-day side as well as demonstrating that he’s a promising all-rounder for white ball cricket as well. He has taken wickets consistently as well as applying himself well in that important position at number eight in the order.
“Everybody wants to see young cricketers come through the ranks and it’s pleasing for the Club that they’ve earned their places in the team, and their new contracts, very much on the merit of their performances.”
Ball has pointed to his pre-season preparations as the catalyst for the best season of his career, and he also praised the contribution of his fellow Academy graduate.
“It’s been a good season, which caps off the hard work I put in through the winter and to finish it with a new contract and a longer future with Notts is great reward, so I’m really happy," he said.
“What has been really pleasing is that I’ve been in the team for all three formats and done well, particularly the four day game which is the one where I really wanted to develop.
“We’re a young bowling unit, working together to move forward as a group, and Brett has come in and done really well.
“He’s an excellent all-rounder who can take wickets and score runs batting at eight, so it’s great news for Notts that he’s on board.”