George Bell signs first rookie contract with Lancashire Cricket
Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce that England Under 19 wicket keeper batter George Bell has signed his first rookie contract with the Red Rose.
Bell, 19, is a product of Lancashire’s County Age Group system pathway and joined the Academy at Emirates Old Trafford back in 2019.
The former Manchester Grammar School attendee played for England Under 19s in their ODI series against West Indies during the summer and has been selected for the tour of Sri Lanka later this month.
Bell – who plays his club cricket at Alderley Edge CC – was also a regular fixture in Lancashire’s Second XI throughout the 2021 season.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on his first rookie contract, Bell said: “I am very excited. I found out towards the back end of the summer and now I just can’t wait to get going with my first year as a pro.
“A lot of hard work has led to this moment since I joined Lancashire Cricket as an Under 11, but it is a dream come true to get this contract and now there is a lot harder work to come.
“It was a great experience to play most matches for the Second XI this year, it was really good to learn from the First Team players and to have an opportunity to pick their brains and watch how they go about their game.”
Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, commented: “George is an exciting talent and he has really impressed the coaching staff with his determined attitude and performances for the Second XI this summer.
“George impressed with the England Young Lions against West Indies earlier this summer and he is fully deserving of his place on the tour to Sri Lanka.
“We are looking forward to tracking George’s progress over the winter and will be excited to welcome him back into squad training once he returns to Emirates Old Trafford.”
Lancashire Cricket can also confirm that George Burrows, Ed Moulton and Owais Shah have all been released after finishing their contracts with the Club and wishes the trio well in their future endeavours.