WARWICKSHIRE have signed promising teenage seamer Ben Blakemore on a rookie contract for the 2025 season.
Blakemore – who made two Second XI Championship appearances for the county last year – has progressed through the club’s youth system and Academy.
The 18-year-old, from Stratford-upon-Avon, spent time training at Edgbaston with Bears’ senior squad over the winter and was involved in the pre-season tours to Lahore and Abu Dhabi.
Now he has been given an opportunity to stake his claim for a permanent deal and is set to line up for the Bears Second XI at the start of the season.
“Warwickshire is a Club close to my heart,” said Blakemore, who plays Birmingham League Cricket with Kenilworth Wardens.
“I’ve spent almost half my life with Warwickshire’s youth pathway and Academy. To land a contract with the Bears has always been the end goal, so to be given that chance is extremely exciting.
“It’s a really special moment for me and my family and I’m looking forward to the summer and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Having spent time with the guys on tour I already feel integrated into the group; they’ve made me feel welcome. I know the hard work starts now for me in terms of my future in cricket; I’m prepared to give it my all.”
Blakemore featured in two Second XI Championship games last September, against Surrey and Somerset, taking three wickets.
He also appeared in five Under-18 County Championship matches in 2024, taking 13 wickets and hitting two half centuries.
Warwickshire’s High Performance Manager Paul Greetham has known Blakemore throughout his time at Edgbaston.
He said: “Ben has had his ups and downs. He suffered a stress related injury in his back, he’s gone through the mill. But in the last 18 months we’ve seen a lot of determination, drive to work and get stronger, and be more physically robust.
“The whole backroom team will have had contact with him, physios, S&C, coaches obviously, nutritionist, everybody can be proud of what’s Ben’s done in securing this rookie contract, not least Ben himself.
“Last summer was where we saw a big difference in his game. We saw his bowling speeds increase, a good maturity in his game, his batting has really come on, he’s a genuine allrounder.
“He’s worked well with our Bowling Coach Stuart Barnes and shown up really well against the pros on tour. It was a no brainer to take him on a summer Rookie Contract.
“Seam bowlers are in demand at the moment, not only at Warwickshire but around the country. He’s earned this opportunity. Now Ben has a real chance to show everyone the promise he has.”
