LONDON, CMC – Promising teenaged Barbadian all-rounder Nico Reifer has penned a one-year rookie deal with English county Surrey for the upcoming 2020 campaign.
The 18-year-old, who has attended Whitgift School in South Croydon for the past four years, has already made 10 Second XI appearances for Surrey across all formats since his debut two years ago and the county’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, said he expected the player to continue to develop.
“Nico has been in our academy and involved with the 2nd XI and has shown good potential,” said the former England Test captain.
“Through signing his first rookie contract he has the opportunity to really develop his all-round talent and be a part of the professional set up. This is a great opportunity which we’re confident he will grab.”
Reifer was part of the West Indies Under-15 squad which toured England in 2015, emerging as his side’s Most Valuable Player and subsequently led the side on the 2016 tour of England.
A right-handed batsman who bowls medium pace, Reifer also turned out for Barbados in the 2017 and 2018 CWI Regional Under-19 tournaments before missing out earlier this year through injury.
A product of Queens College school in Barbados, Reifer said he was thrilled with the chance to further develop his skills.
“I’m proud to have signed this contract with Surrey and I’m excited to have the opportunity to show what I can do,” he said.
“I’ll be working hard over the winter to make sure I’m ready for pre-season and the start of the 2020 season in England.”
Also in preparation for the season, Reifer will travel Down Under where he will represent Midland-Guildford in grade cricket.
