By Gareth James
Glamorgan Cricket have announced the signings of youngsters Ben Morris, Ben Kellaway and Zain Ul Hassan on rookie contracts. And Director of Cricket, Mark Wallace, believes all three players can make an impact within the senior squad, after some impressive performances this season in the second XI.
Morris and Kellaway, both 18, are products of the Glamorgan Academy, while Ul Hassan (23) has recently come through the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA).
Morris is a right-arm seamer who plays for Abergavenny Cricket Club and Kellaway (18) is a middle-order batter and off-spin bowler from Chepstow Cricket Club.
They have both represented the 2nd XI and were key members of the Wales U18 team that won the inaugural ECB U18 T20 Cup. They also played for Glamorgan earlier this season during the three-day friendly against Cardiff UCCE.
Director of Cricket, Mark Wallace, said: “The two Bens have come on enormously this season and have a very high ceiling, so we’re excited to work with them and see their games progress.
“Ben Morris has some serious pace which is a massively sought-after commodity in cricket, while Ben Kellaway is a multi-dimensional cricketer with bags of potential.
“The Clubs have done a brilliant job with them and should be very proud of producing such highly talented and mature players.
“Zain has been really impressive when called upon for the twos and we are delighted to be able to give him the opportunity to showcase his talents at the next level.
“Hopefully, he can repeat his exploits with both bat and ball again next season and push for a place in the first team. All-rounders are invaluable in today’s game and it’s great to have a young lad with so much potential on board with Glamorgan.
“We wish him the best of luck, and we cannot wait to see what he has to offer during the winter months and beyond.”
Ben Kellaway, said: “It’s an honour to sign my first contract with the Club. I’ve been involved in the pathway from a very young age and am excited to be continuing my journey over the next two years.
Ben Morris, added: “I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to become a professional cricketer. I look forward to further developing my skills and repaying the faith Glamorgan has shown in me with strong performances next season.”
All-rounder Ul Hassan (23) is a right-arm seamer and left-handed batter who came through the Worcestershire Academy in 2019 where he made his List A debut against West Indies A.
After a successful spell with SACA he trialled at Glamorgan this season and made an immediate impact with the 2nd XI, impressing with both bat and ball.
He amassed 638 runs at an average of 40 in the 2nd XI Championship, including a high score of 116 against Yorkshire. He also took 37 wickets at an average of 15 with two five-wicket hauls.
Saca squad member Zain Ul Hassan is 12th man for the England vs South Africa Test at Lords. Wishing him the best of luck and would like to thank @Middlesex_CCC for reaching out to us to give him this opportunity.
@zainulhxssan pic.twitter.com/c95z1CsR8E— SACA (@SACAUK) August 19, 2022
Zain Ul Hassan, said: “I am very excited to join Glamorgan on a rookie contract.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling I had when I was offered the deal. This is something I have worked so hard for over the past few years, and to know that hard work has been worth it is an indescribable feeling.
“I am so glad to sign with this amazing county as it has a very rich history and a great culture around the Club. When playing this year, I always felt that I was a part of the team, it felt like I was at home and belonged here.
“None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for SACA and everyone involved there. They gave us the opportunity to be able to go and showcase our talents and I will be forever grateful for all they have done for me.”
Director of Cricket at SACA, Tom Brown, added: “We’re delighted for Zain, he has dedicated himself to prove his worth at the next level and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
“He’s been a popular member of the dressing room and displayed a number of match-winning performances with bat and ball this season.
“We’d like to thank Glamorgan Cricket for not only showing faith in Zain but also providing the chance for a number of our players this season to showcase their skills.”