Dearden signs for Leicestershire

Leicestershire CCC has announced the signing of young batsman Harry Dearden after an impressive season for the club’s Second XI.

The Bury-born top-order player has put in a number of good performances, including a brilliant century at Yorkshire in the Second XI Championship and a score of 46 in the Trophy semi-final at Somerset.

Dearden, who came through the age-group system at Lancashire, has demonstrated his ability to construct long innings and play a key role in the one-day team too.

The 19-year-old has signed a contract for the 2017 season and will link up with his new teammates as part of the pre-season training programme.

Leicestershire CCC Chief Executive Wasim Khan MBE said: “Harry has impressed everybody with his performances in the Second XI and at 19, is a very exciting young cricketer.

“He is a left-hander who bats at the top of the order and so he will create competition for places, particularly in red ball cricket. We look forward to him continuing his career development with us here at the Fischer County Ground.”