Lancs announce scholarship intake

Chris Tipper is one of four youngsters to sign scholarship contracts for 2010

Lancashire have revealed their latest crop of scholarship contracts for 2010.

Chris Tipper and Jordan Clark, 2009 academy members, are joined by Nick Caunce and Andrea Agathagelou in signing 12-month scholarship deals that will see them work alongside the professional squad throughout the summer.

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson said: “Our scholarship programme was introduced several seasons ago and plays a very important part in our development system here at Lancashire.

“It’s the next step in an academy player’s goal of becoming a professional cricketer, but also enables us to develop players who have come to our attention away from the representative system. Sajid Mahmood is a perfect example of this.

“The four scholarship players for the forthcoming season all offer something different and could have careers here at Lancashire if they continue to work hard and develop their games to an elite level.”

Middle-order batsmen Tipper and all-rounder Clark, who is currently playing club cricket in New Zealand, featured for Lancashire Seconds last season.

Right-arm seamer Caunce, currently playing in Melbourne, has represented the county at under-17 and under-19 level. He made occasional second XI appearances last season, including against Glamorgan at Liverpool when he hit a six off the penultimate ball to seal a dramatic win.

Opening batsman Agathagelou has represented South Africa Under-19s and will spend time with the Red Rose in 2010 while playing club cricket nearby.