Joel Pope, a wicket-keeper batsman on the MCC Young Cricketers’ books, has signed a two-year professional contract with Leicestershire CCC. He will now compete for a place in the county’s team with Paul Nixon.

Two team-mates have also earned county contracts. Alex Hales, a tall right-hand opening batsman has signed a two-year deal with Nottinghamshire, while Andy Sutton, a right-arm fast bowler, has been signed by Somerset.

Leicestershire also signed England Under-19 batsman James Taylor. The
17-year-old previously played for Worcestershire's academy and second XI and
appeared in this season's Minor Counties Championship for Shropshire.