Northants teenager Saif Zaib signs contract

Zaib has represented the England Schools Under-17 XI

Northants have signed teenage prospect Saif Zaib on a three-year deal.

The academy batsman, 16, made an impression with an unbeaten 50 against Durham University earlier this year and featured regularly for the second XI.

He is a pupil at RGS Wycombe, where his innings of 230 is a school record, and scored his maiden century for his club High Wycombe this summer.

"This is a groundbreaking move for us and reflects Saif's potential," said chief executive David Smith.

"The game is getting younger and faster and Saif, being a three dimensional cricketer, is exactly the profile of cricketer we need more of and will invest in."

Zaib joined the Northants academy last year amid reported interest from Gloucestershire and Surrey.