Durham have agreed a two-year professional contract with promising young bowling all-rounder James Minto.

The 18-year-old left-armer has signed until the end of the 2028 season, progressing upwards from a rookie contract.

Minto played his maiden first-class game against Surrey two years ago when still only 16 and he has now played seven matches at that level, taking 14 wickets.

He became the youngest player to score a half-century for Durham when he hit 67 against Nottinghamshire in 2025, aged 17.

The England Under-19 player has also represented his county in the One-Day Cup and in a single T20 Blast game.

“Minty is a player with a huge amount of potential and it is extremely pleasing to see him rewarded for the excellent performances he has put in for Durham over the last couple of seasons,” said Durham director of cricket Ryan Campbell., external

“He has performed well when given the opportunity for Durham and England Young Lions in recent times and we look forward to seeing him evolve with both bat and ball in the coming years.”