BEN COX, the Bromsgrove School wicketkeeper, has signed a four-year contract with Worcestershire as his meteoric rise into the professional game continues.

======STOP SUMMARY=====

Cox, 17, scored 61 in the championship match against Somerset at Taunton on his county debut, and he bagged Marcus Trescothick as his first dismissal. He appears to be a ready-made successor at Worcester to Steven Davies, one of Surrey's new signings.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes, himself a former wicketkeeper, said: "Ben will finish his A levels next summer and then join us on a full-time professional contract. He is a very good athlete and has chosen cricket as his future sport - a decision we are delighted about. He is a product of our Academy under the guidance of Damian D'Oliveira. He showed real character on his debut and I look forward to working with him over the next few years."