After some stellar performances by Academy graduates David Murphy and Rob Newton, to name just a couple, Northantscricket.com can reveal the recently announced 2011 Academy squad. Academy director David Ripley introduces the nine talented youngsters.

Christian Davis

Right Handed Bat/ Left Arm seam bowler. Northampton. Bedford School. U18, 3^rd year on the Academy.

“Christian was recently selected for the England U18’s development programme. 2010 was special one for the Northampton-born youngster who made his 1^st XI debut against Essex Eagles in 2010.”

Oliver Stone

Right Arm seam bowler/ Right Handed Bat. Norfolk. Moulton College. U17, 3^rd Year on the Academy

“Oliver has been recently recovering from a stress fracture which impacted on his 2010 season severely. He is the first player to take advantage of the new Academy link up with Moulton College, which will see him study a BTEC in sport over two years.”

Ryan Findlay

Left Arm Spin bowler / Right Handed Bat. Norfolk. Wyndham College. U18, 3^rd year on the Academy.

“Ryan enjoyed a very promising 2^nd XI debut in 2010. The Norfolk-born youngster took 30 Premier league wickets this season, split between the Academy side and his Norfolk based club. Ryan has been selected for the Norfolk minor county squad for 2011.”

Rob Keogh

Right Handed Bat (Top order)/ Right Arm off spin bowler. Bedford. U19, 3^rd year on the Academy.

“Rob recently won the Lynn Wilson Academy Player of the Year award at the club’s End of Season Awards dinner. He won because of his batting performances in the 2^nd XI which included 2 half centuries (Top score of 87*) which saw the youngster make his 1^st XI debut. Rob will be spending his winter in Australia playing club cricket.”

Ben Duckett

Wicketkeeper/ Left handed Bat. Somerset. Stowe School. U16, 3^rd year on the Academy.

“Ben was recently selected for the England U16’s development programme. Ben made his 2^nd XI debut during 2010 aged just 15. He also plays cricket for Stowe School.”

Vicram Sohal

 Right Arm Off spin bowler/ Right Handed Bat. Bedford. Bedford School. U16, 1^st year on the Academy.

“Vicram was recently selected for the England U16’s development programme and made his 2^nd XI debut this season. Vicram scored 209 runs at an average of 41.8 and took 13 wickets at 11.15 for the U15s this season.”

 Basil Akram

Right Arm Seam bowler/Right Handed Bat. Essex. U18. 1^st year on the Academy.

“Basil has joined from the Essex Academy and has been involved in England U15 training. It is hoped that Basil will view this as an opportunity to kickstart his professional career.”

Jordan Capel

Right Arm Leg Spin/ Right Handed Bat. Northampton. Northampton School for Boys. U18, 1^st Year on the Academy.

“Jordan took 30 Premier division wickets at an average of under 20 in 2010, making him the Academy’s’ leading wicket taker in the NCL as the team finished mid table.”

Connor Cunningham

Right Handed Bat/ Left Arm Spin (occasional). Cambridge. U18, first year on the Academy

“Connor was consistently impressive for all teams he played for during 2010, including the Cambridgeshire minor counties squad, Peterborough Town and the NCCC U17’s. He made 40 on his 2^nd XI debut vs. Kent’s 2^nd XI this season.”

COMING SOON… David Ripley reviews the Academy’s 2010 season…