Payne and Dent become Gloucs pros

Eighteen-year-old pair David Payne and Chris Dent will be on the professional staff at Gloucestershire from next season

Gloucestershire academy players David Payne and Chris Dent have signed professional contracts with the club.

The 18-year-old pair have penned two-year deals, with Payne’s to start in October. Dent, meanwhile, will play overseas this winter and join the squad in March.

Quick bowler Payne has been part of the county’s academy for two years and signed a development contract with the club at the start of 2009, which meant he trained with the first XI throughout the summer.

He was also in the England Under-19 Test squad to play against Bangladesh Under-19s this summer.

Batsman and left-arm spin bowler Dent is a product of Gloucestershire youth cricket, having worked his way up through the age groups and the academy.

Payne said: “I am ecstatic to have signed a contract with Gloucestershire and become a professional cricketer.

“I have worked really hard on my skills, fitness and performances and all the hard work has paid off. I am looking forward to training with the rest of the squad and making my debut for the first XI.”

Dent added: “I am incredibly pleased at signing with Gloucestershire, I have worked hard throughout my time with the county and it is great to have fulfilled my goal of becoming a professional cricketer.

“I know it’s only the beginning, with lots more hard work to come but I hope this is the start of a successful career with Gloucestershire.”

Academy director Owen Dawkins said: “I am delighted for both players, they have worked incredibly hard whilst being part of the academy.

“It is great to see these talented young players coming through the academy here at GCCC and is great for the emerging young cricketers of the county to see what can be achieved.”