Josh Boyden secures a rookie contract with Lancashire

The left-arm pacer Josh Boyden has earned a rookie contract with Lancashire Cricket Club. He was impressive in the 2022 edition of the U-19 World Cup for England with 15 wickets in six matches at an economy of 3.21 and best figures of 4/16. 

In the tournament's final against India, Boyden was the pick of the bowlers for Three Lions with figures of 2/24 in seven overs. His ability to get a purchase with the new ball and restrict the batters in the death overs was crucial to the English side throughout the ICC event. 

The talented pacer has been part of the setup since the earlier age groups and joined the Lancashire Cricket Academy in 2020. In the ongoing Second XI matches, Boyden has picked up two wickets in as many appearances in the T20 and red-ball formats. 

Last month, the 18-year-old was named in the Lancs squad for the T20 Blast match against Northants Steelbacks. However, he is yet to make his debut for the senior team. 

The young pacer expressed his excitement to start a professional journey with the club. Boyden added that he is hungry to perform well for the Red Roses after being a part of the squad for a one-off match. 

"I am delighted to have been given this opportunity by Lancashire Cricket and cannot wait to get started on a full-time basis," said Boyden. 

"This rookie contract is the culmination of years of hard work but also the start of another journey for me, into making it as a professional cricketer with Lancashire."

"It was fantastic to be in and around the first-team squad earlier this summer and it has made me even more determined and hungry to keep working hard and eventually make my debut for the Red Rose."