Charlesworth signs three-year deal with Gloucestershire
9 October 2018
After breaking into the first team in August, teenager Ben Charlesworth has signed a contract with Gloucestershire Cricket until 2021.
17-year-old Charlesworth is in the middle of his A levels at St Edward's in Oxford, the same school attended by Miles Hammond. He made his debut against Warwickshire at Edgbaston during the summer holidays and marked his first home Championship match by taking the final wicket to seal victory over Leicestershire with his only delivery.
WICKET/WIN : Ben Charlesworth seals the win with his 1st ball, Mohammad Abbas is ct behind. Leics 165 all out, @Gloscricket win by 328 runs pic.twitter.com/QhDs1mgtCS
— Gloucestershire CCC (@Gloscricket) September 1, 2018
St Edward's subsequently cleared Ben - who bats left handed and bowls right arm at a brisk medium pace - to play in all four remaining Championship fixtures.
In the first against Middlesex at the Brightside Ground, he impressed with a patiently constructed 77 not out before taking 3-25 in 13 overs. Another first innings half century (72) against Glamorgan at Cardiff the following week helped Gloucestershire to a nine wicket win.
Ben Charlesworth said: “I am delighted to be signing my first contract with the Club. I’m excited about the future with our young squad and I am grateful to all who have supported me.”
Part of the Gloucestershire Academy, Charlesworth represented England under 19's in their series against South Africa earlier this summer after making 142 for an invitational XI against the tourists in a warm up game.
Gloucestershire Head Coach, Richard Dawson said: “Ben has given us a glimpse into his potential, he will be joining the first team after finishing his exams next year. It is a huge boost for the Club having Ben commit his future to Gloucestershire. We look forward to helping Ben improve and develop his game further in the next three years.”
