Young wins Sussex deal

Craig Young's performances for Ireland Under-19s brought him to the attention of the Sussex coaching staff

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Ireland Under-19 international Craig Young has signed a one-year contract with Sussex.

The 19-year-old opening bowler was offered an Academy Plus deal after impressing during the county’s bowling camp in Dubai.

“I’m delighted, and hopefully it'll work out for me,” said Young, who starred for Ireland in their U19 World Cup campaign in January with nine wickets at an average of 18.44.

“I'll be going over shortly for pre-season, and they'll be in touch with Ireland to see what my likely commitments will be during the summer. After they speak with them, a plan will be drawn up which will hopefully work for everybody.”

Young came to the attention of the Sussex scouts when he took 5-22 against Guernsey in the European Under-19 Championships in Jersey last summer.

Keith Greenfield, cricket performance manager at Sussex, said: “We first saw Craig last summer when we asked him to come and play for our second team.

"We wanted to have a look at Craig, so we invited him to our training camp in Dubai.

"During that time, we saw he had potential, so we have offered him a place on the Academy Plus scheme and we’ll see him in six blocks throughout the summer.

"This will help his cricket and will act as a stepping stone to attaining a professional contract.”