Batting all-rounder Ollie Sykes has signed his first rookie contract with Surrey.
The 2024 Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year joined Surrey at the age of seven and has played age-group cricket for the Club ever since.
Predominantly a batter, 2023 saw Sykes feature in the U18 side that lifted the Vitality County T20 Boys trophy. This season, Sykes has played a consistent role in Surrey’s Second XI.
On signing, Sykes said: “I am delighted to sign a contract at Surrey, the club I have been at since the age of seven. I’m excited to be around the group for the rest of the summer!”
Sykes has scored 249 runs in the Second XI Championship at an average of 41.50 so far this season. Last week, he scored a match winning 72 not out as Surrey’s Second XI beat Hampshire in a thriller at LSE.
In the Second XI T20 competition, he smashed unbeaten 59 from 26 balls in Surrey’s victory over Middlesex at LSE.
Sykes, who plays his club cricket for Reigate Priory in the AJ Sports Surrey Championship, played cricket as a junior for Dulwich CC.
Director of Men’s Cricket, Alec Stewart, said: “It’s always a special moment to give a player their first professional contract especially to someone who has come through our own Pathway system.
“Ollie is making good progress and with his natural ability and hard work I expect him to have a bright future in the game.”
Sykes was named the 2024 Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year after impressive performances for Tonbridge School last summer. He scored 935 runs, including 148 against Harrow and 157 versus the MCC, plus a T20 150 against Brighton College. Additionally, he claimed 30 victims with his right arm off spin.
Head of the Surrey Pathway, Chris Taylor, said: “Ollie’s rookie contract represents a fantastic achievement. Ollie’s point of difference has always been his ball striking ability. He demonstrated this throughout his Academy year and it’s great to see this continuing into Surrey Second Team performances. The Pathway team are excited to watch his development into a professional cricketer.”
