Young Worcestershire batter Olly Cox has signed a one-year contract extension until the end of the 2024 season.
The 19-year-old, who has been part of the Worcestershire Pathway since playing for the Under-10s, was awarded his first rookie professional contract last summer.
The youngster took part in last week’s tour match with New Zealand and top scored with 63 off 36 balls against an international bowling attack.
Cox has also shown his potential in recent Seconds Championship matches, hitting 127 not out from 123 balls against Gloucestershire and a top score of 90 versus Lancashire.
Cox will combine cricket with starting a three-year degree in business and management at Exeter University.
Cox said: “To have another year with Worcestershire is so exciting, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
“It’s been my dream since I was a young kid to play professional cricket.
“It’s definitely come with its challenges, the amount of cricket and playing up a level with professional cricketers all the time.
“But it’s been unbelievable, really, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and nice to get some form back in the four-day games recently.
“What I’ve learned being a professional cricketer is trying to do the right things every game to put yourself in the right place to be as consistent as you can.
“One of the main things being a pro is your preparation because the standard is much higher so you need to be right on it from ball one.”
Worcestershire Head Coach Alan Richardson said: “Olly has shown real progress so far and showcased his ability against New Zealand. When you are 18-19 and on the professional staff for the first time it can be a huge challenge.
“But he’s got through that first little challenge so far. There will be plenty more, but he’s someone who strikes a really clean ball, and I think there is some real potential there.
“Probably his preferred format at the moment is white ball cricket, but it’s exciting times to see how Olly develops over the next couple of years.
“I think there is some huge untapped potential in the field. I think he moves remarkably well, and he can turn himself into a really good fielder. There is a high potential there.
“He is going to University, and that is really important for him, that he goes on and continues that side of his life as well, and I think that will help him develop as a person and as a player as well.”
