Pathway player Alex French has signed a fully-professional, multi-year contract at Surrey ahead of the start of the men’s Metro Bank One Day Cup.
A 6’7” tall right-arm fast bowler, French joined the Surrey pathway at the U-14 level and has been a part of the Academy for the last two years. He has also regularly featured in England U-19 squads, playing age-group cricket against India, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The 18-year-old impressed with a best of 4/81 versus Sri Lanka in a Youth Test at Wormsley as well as picking up eight wickets in the Youth ODI series against India, including a tally of 4/71 at Northampton.
French plays his club cricket for Esher and recently graduated from Cranleigh School, studying there for two years.
On signing the contract, French said: “Playing for Surrey has been a childhood dream of mine, and I’m excited and very proud to have signed my first pro contract here. Our squad is full of incredible cricketers, and I’m really looking forward to learning from them.
“I am eager to show my skills in senior cricket and hopefully earn my debut cap for Surrey.”
Chris Taylor, Head of the Surrey Talent Pathway, said “Alex is a promising prospect, and we all have high hopes for him. He’s a hard-working cricketer with a positive attitude and is always keen to grow and improve as a player. I’m delighted that he has earned his first, well-deserved pro contract.”
