Stokes earns professional terms

Durham seamer Ben Stokes took 2-22 on first-team debut versus Surrey in the Friends Provident Trophy in May

Young Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes has signed a professional contract with the club for the next two seasons.

Stokes, 18, made his first-team debut for Durham last season, playing in two Friends Provident Trophy games and a single match in the NatWest Pro40.

Stokes was born in Christchurch, and will return to New Zealand when England Under-19 begin their ICC World Cup campaign next month. He was also part of the Under-19 squad that toured Bangladesh earlier this winter.

Stokes said: “It’s been an exciting few weeks for me and I’m really happy to have signed my first professional contract.

“It’s great to be involved with such a successful club and it’s been a real benefit to have a varied group of players around me who I can go to for advice. I can’t wait for the 2010 season to start!”

Durham head coach Geoff Cook said: “We set Ben a number of challenging targets for the 2009 season and he worked incredibly hard to meet them.

“The transition from Academy to second XI and on to the first team can be a tough one but I have been impressed by the way he has performed.

“He’s a great young talent and I’m pleased that he’s going to be part of the squad for the foreseeable future.”