Hampshire: England prospect John Turner among four players given new contracts

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Toby Albert and John Turner celebrate a Hampshire Hawks wicketImage source, Getty Images
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Toby Albert (left) and John Turner (right) have extended their stays with Hampshire along with Fletcha Middleston and Tom Prest

England white-ball squad member John Turner is one of four young Hampshire players to sign new multi-year deals to stay with with the county.

Fletcha Middleton, Tom Prest and Toby Albert, who, like Turner, came through the club's player pathway system, have also agreed contract extensions.

Director of Cricket Giles White said:, external "They are an exciting group. We look forward to watching them grow.

"We feel they have the attributes to help take the team to the next level."

Last summer was a breakout season for 22-year-old fast bowler Turner, who took 21 wickets at an average of under 12 in his maiden T20 Blast campaign and also made his County Championship debut.

He was called up for England's T20 series against New Zealand in August only to be ruled out through injury, and was subsequently rewarded with an ECB Development Contract.

Turner was then named in the squad for this month's white-ball tour of the Caribbean.

"After an amazing couple years it was an easy decision to extend my time at the club. Since making the step up to the first XI, I've really enjoyed my time on and off the pitch," Turner said.

"Hampshire have played a massive role in the development of my cricket and I couldn't thank everyone at the club enough. I am extremely excited for the next few years and hopefully I can help contribute to more success on the pitch."

Middleton, 21, was ever present in Hampshire's County Championship and One-Day Cup sides in 2023, opening the batting in both and scoring 480 runs in the 50-overs competition including a first professional century against Middlesex.

He said: "Hampshire is a very special club to me so I am absolutely thrilled to have signed a new deal. I am very grateful for the backing and opportunity they have given me so far. I look forward to continuing my development here and repaying the faith they have shown in me with silverware."

Batting all-rounder Prest, 20, has become a key member of both the white-ball squads since making his debut in 2021 and helped the Hawks win the Blast in 2022.

The former England Under-19 captain also played five County Championship matches in 2023, recording his maiden first-class century against Essex at Chelmsford.

Middle-order batter Albert, 22, made his professional debut in the 2021 Blast and has represented Hampshire in all three formats since, making his County Championship towards the end of last season.

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