Sam King delighted to have had chance to shine with Nottinghamshire U18's

King hit 348 runs and took 15 wickets for the Notts Under 18 side, peppering his campaign with a number of match-winning performances.

After the uncertainty of March’s suspension of sport, the 17-year-old has relished his chance to shine.

“Having grown up locally to the club, I was really looking forward to having the opportunity to prove myself for the under 18s,” he said.

“When the first lockdown was announced I was really upset, but the opportunities that Matt Wood (Elite Pathway Manager) has been able to provide for the under 18s this year have been incredible.

“We all felt very lucky to be able to play, and have those experiences this year.

“I’m really grateful for that, and for the work the coaches at Notts and at Gedling CC have done to support me this season and over the years.”

King’s standout contribution in a season of strong performances came in Notts Under 18s’ final fixture of the season, against their counterparts from Worcestershire.

Batting at number six, his unbeaten 79 from 73 deliveries secured a one-wicket win – with King hitting a maximum to win the game.

"We all felt very lucky to be able to play, and have those experiences this year."

Throughout the season, the Nottingham High School student also displayed a nerveless temperament with the ball in the death overs – something he credits to the coaching he has received on the Nottinghamshire pathway.

“I worked a lot with Picky (Andy Pick) on my death bowling over the winter, and in most games I managed to execute my plans,” he explained.

“In the early part of this year, I was able to do a lot of my training in the tent at Lady Bay with the first team, and I think that really helped me to develop – particularly with my bowling, because the margin for error against the senior guys is so small.

“There are a lot of specific areas of my game that I want to work on this winter.”