St Cross Symondians all-rounder Michael Booth has signed his first professional contract with Warwickshire, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal which will keep him in the West Midlands until 2026.
The Zimbabwe-born strong middle-order batsman and pace bowler made his Warwickshire debut in the MetroBank 2023 One-Day Cup, taking his maiden wicket against Worcestershire, writes Mike Vimpany.
He previously made his senior debut for the county against Glamorgan in August before taking his first wicket for Warwickshire – Worcestershire's Ben Cox - three days later.
A product of South Africa's Hilton College, where he played alongside exciting Hampshire bowling prospect John Turner, the Zimbabwean-born right-armer moved to England to study at Durham University in 2020 emerging with a first-class honours degree in economics with management.
He played 18 times for St Cross, making his last appearance in the ECB Royal London Cup defeat at Potterne.
Booth said: "I finished my university studies in June, but my biggest hope was always to get a contract. I'm so thankful to Warwickshire for giving me an opportunity and I'm determined to prove my worth and keep improving.
"I've been working with bowling coach Stuart Barnes on seam position and bowling quick. Every day I'm working on getting that little bit faster. I think I've got that extra yard and can utilise that in short spells and do some damage.
"I want to break into all formats – red and white ball – and improve my batting to become a proper No.7. I'll be working hard all winter and want to make a big impression next season."
Head coach Mark Robinson added: "Michael has impressed everyone at the club in his short time with us.
"He is very conscientious as a person, can bowl a heavy ball, and has promise to become a true bowling allrounder if he continues to work hard.
"We are all excited about watching him develop over the next few years and start to make an impact in the first team."