RISING Cumbrian Cricket star Stanley McAlindon has put pen to paper on his rookie deal at Durham Cricket Club.
The 18-year-old topped off a breakout 2022 by signing the one-year rookie deal at the club alongside five other academy graduates.
During the summer of 2022 he broke into Durham's First-class and List A sides.
McAlindon showed his ability when given the chance at Durham, with an impressive 60 runs off 50 balls against Leicestershire in the Royal London One-Day Cup, marking his breakthorugh.
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The progress made by Cumbria's rising cricket star has also been noticed by the national selectors who called him up for his international debut in the England Cricket youth set-up.
Appearing in the second test of England under-19s series against Sri-Lanka, he struck 20 runs from 41 balls in the first innings.
McAlindon has his cricketing roots in Carlisle, having played for the cities cricket club and for the now defunct Great Corby Cricket Club, where he was coached by his father Mark McAlindon.
Reflecting on his son's successes, Mark expressed his pride and happiness with Stanley's achievements so far.
He said: "I’m hugely proud of Stanley and what he has managed to achieve. He’s always had his heart set on playing professional cricket, and in particular for Durham.
"It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, and it will take a lot more to make a full career in cricket. But he’s always had an excellent attitude to training, playing and overcoming injury.
"Durham have a group of very talented young cricketers coming through, and I’m delighted that Stanley is part of that. He had a taste of first team cricket last season, so I hope to see him repeat some of that next summer.” He continued.
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