Player Profile

The route which Ben Walkden took to earn his professional contract with Lancashire required a great deal of resilience and drive.

The all-rounder was part of the pathway and academy system as a youngster but unfortunately was not offered a contract by the end of his time in Lancashire’s academy.

That did not put a stop to Walkden’s dream of becoming a professional cricketer. He went back and played club cricket for his boyhood side, Newton-Le-Willows CC, in the Liverpool and District Competition.

Walkden achieved plenty of success in the First XI ECB Premier League, winning Player of the Season in two out of the last three seasons. He is also the club captain.

Since the start of the 2022 season, he’s hit 4663 runs and taken 202 wickets. That included eight centuries and 13 five-wicket hauls.

Those performances meant he was knocking on the door constantly, which earned him an opportunity with Lancashire’s Second XI.

He impressed for Dan Salpeitro’s side with both bat and ball, as he’d done consistently for years in a Newton-Le-Willows shirt. One of the standout performances for the Second XI in 2026 saw him hit 90 and take 4-39 against Derbyshire.

It led to his first professional contract, which he secured during the 2026 Metro Bank One Day Cup, until the end of the 2027 campaign.

Upon securing his deal, Walkden told Lancashire’s website, “It is something I have been working towards for a long time, so to achieve it is a really proud moment for me and my family. It hasn't been an easy journey, but that makes me even more determined to take my opportunity when it comes.”

He has certainly taken that opportunity under Steven Croft so far. After making his Rothesay County Championship debut in August at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground against Northamptonshire, he’s gone on to become an important part of the bowling attack.

Walkden has picked up 12 wickets at an average of 23.5, chipping in with 132 runs, including 36 against Durham, batting lower down the order than he does at club level.

His impact has certainly been felt so far, and the 2027 season gives him another chance add another chapter to his inspirational story so far.