The 19-year-old has graduated from the Academy, which he's been a part of since the Under 10s.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club have graduated Academy batsman Rob Yates on to his first professional contract with the club to cover the 2019 season.

Yates (19) initially joined Warwickshire’s Player Pathway at the Under 10s age group and he has scored 4,258 runs for the club’s age-group sides to date, including six centuries and 27 half-centuries.

He’s an impressive lad and he has earned his place in the senior 2019 squad.

Paul Greetham

The young opening batsman, who attended Eversfield Preparatory School and Warwick School, has played for Moseley CC throughout his club career and made his first team debut in the Birmingham & District League in 2016.

“It’s always pleasing when a young player steps up to join the senior ranks,” said Paul Greetham, Elite Cricket Development Manager, at Warwickshire CCC.

“Rob has scored runs consistently in our county age-group teams, but since stepping up to the Academy he has also demonstrated great character, which could take him a long way in the professional game.

“He’s an impressive lad and he has earned his place in the senior 2019 squad. However, this is when the hard work really begins for Rob and our cricket management team are looking forward to working with him and to helping him fulfil his potential.

“It is also important to recognise the involvement and influence of Warwick School and Director of Cricket Simon Francis on Rob’s development. The partnership between Warwick School and WCCC has always been strong, not least in this instance of developing a highly talented pupil of theirs.”

Yates, who has already scored a double hundred and hundred in Warwickshire’s Second XI, produced the highest individual score in the Birmingham & District League Premier Division in 2018, scoring 151 not out in Moseley’s 146-run victory over Dorridge in September.

John Williams, Director of Cricket at Moseley CC, said: “Everyone at Moseley Cricket Club will be delighted to hear that Rob has been awarded his first professional contract. He is a very popular member of the club and he has not only proven to be an excellent cricketer but also a very loyal and likeable young man.

“In recent years Rob’s performances in the 1st XI have left us with no doubt that he has both the ability and personal attributes required to make it to the very top of the game.  Good luck Yatesy.”