Promising Potts signs first contract with Derbyshire

The 18-year-old fast bowler becomes the latest Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with the University of Derby graduate to pen a deal with the club this year, following Harvey Hosein, Matt Critchley, Sam Conners, Tom Wood and Nils Priestley in signing a new contract.

Including Alex Hughes, Derbyshire will begin next season with at least seven graduates in the squad, with Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, emphasising the importance of the club’s ability to develop players for all formats.

Despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, Potts went from strength to strength in 2020, impressing first team players and coaches during training sessions and practice matches.

The paceman also featured for the Young Lions in three Best vs Best fixtures at Loughborough, taking a trio of wickets in a three-day game, and playing a role in two white-ball victories over the South team.

Head of Talent Pathway, Daryn Smit, said: “Nick would admit that he’s not the finished article yet, but the growth that he’s shown over the last years has opened up our eyes as coaches, but also the England Under 19s selectors,” said Smit.

“What you’ll see from Nick when he crosses the white line is maximum effort. He’s so professional and, most importantly, he has a great set of skills with the ball in his hand.

“Without wanting to put extra pressure on him, he has the ability to do what Stuart Broad does, where he lets go of the ball in a controlled manner, but angles it back into the right-hander and across the left-hander. To naturally be able to do that is a great skill."

Potts added: “I’ve really enjoyed the occasions when I’ve worked with the first team already, so I’m looking forward to being in that environment permanently.

“Steve Kirby is a great bowling coach, and with us having quite a young bowling attack, I want to learn and develop with them and hopefully get a chance in the first team.”