Former Bashley player Scott Currie signs first Hampshire Cricket contract

ALL-rounder Scott Currie, who played for Bashley Cricket Club, has signed his first professional contract with Hampshire Cricket.

The 20-year-old, who enjoyed a breakthrough summer in limited-overs cricket, has signed a deal until the end of the 2024 season.

Currie took 19 wickets for Hampshire Hawks in just nine Vitality Blast matches at a staggering average of just 12.84 and registered a career-best 4-24 against Somerset at The Ageas Bowl in July.

Currie, whose older brother Brad still plays for Bashley, was named White Ball Bowler of the Year at the club’s end-of-season awards.

He said: “Every time I wear the Hampshire shirt, it’s a real honour. This club has been a big part of my life for the past few years, and long may that continue. It’s great to see the nucleus of the squad is predominately homegrown – we know each other so well, and it makes it even more special to be playing with your mates.

“I want more of the same in limited-overs cricket, but I have ambitions to break into the red ball team, and hopefully I can contribute to what is a really strong county championship side.”

Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White, said: “The way Scott performed in the Vitality Blast was really encouraging, and he’s got a great attitude to go with a high level of talent.

“There is no reason why he can’t have a big impact across the formats in the coming seasons; he has ability with the bat and in the field, and if he continues to develop in all three departments, he will become an influential player for us.”

A promising young seamer, Currie grew up as a dual-sport athlete and featured for Portsmouth FC’s Academy as a junior before turning his attention solely to cricket.

After impressing as part of Hampshire Academy, Currie made the transition to the second team in 2019, helping Hampshire win the Second XI Championship for the first time since 2001.

His development continued during the winter of 2019 as he received an England U19 call-up for their winter series, making an impact that also led to selection for the side’s world cup campaign.

Armed with fresh experience on the international stage and with the pandemic impacting the season schedule in 2020, the right-armer made his full first-class and T20 debuts last summer, impressing during both competitions.

Currie claimed three wickets on his first-class debut against Kent while also picking up a scalp in his four Vitality Blast appearances.