Durham Cricket are delighted to announce that Ben McKinney has signed a two-year contract extension.
A graduate of the Durham Cricket Academy, McKinney has penned a new deal seeing him remain in Chester-le-Street until the end of the 2028 season.
The 21-year-old made Durham history becoming the Club’s youngest double centurion scoring 244 against Gloucestershire at Bristol in April 2026 while passing 1,000 first-class runs for the North East outfit.
A powerful top-order batter across all three formats, McKinney has five red ball centuries and one List A hundred to his name whilst having earned franchise deals with Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at The Hundred.
McKinney has been a shining light throughout the pathway and Academy system in Durham progressing from the Durham under-11s team into the professional set up – where he signed his maiden professional deal in 2023.
The left-hander has been a regular in the England performance pathway, captaining England Under-19s and becoming a regular for the England Lions, impressing on their tour of Australia over the winter.
On his two-year extension, McKinney added: “I’m buzzing to have signed a new two-year deal with Durham. I love playing for my home county and representing the badge as a local lad.
“We are playing some great cricket this year, and I want to play a part in helping us get back into Division One, along with making an impact in the white ball game.
“I am still young, and my game continues to grow, and I am really excited at what the next two years, at least, have in store for Durham Cricket.”
Men’s Head Coach, Ryan Campbell said: “We are thrilled that Ben has agreed to commit with us at Durham for at least another two years.
“As a county it is important that we can nail down our young talent and Ben signing an extension with us demonstrates our intentions.
“Ben has developed a huge amount since breaking into the first team – becoming a key part of our red ball team along with his progression in the white ball game.
“He has all the attributes to be an outstanding top order batter in all formats for Durham over a long period of time which is very exciting for us.
“Not only has he performed for Durham since his professional debut, but his England Lions success is clear to see, and I am very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for another of our talented young lads.”