England Lions batter Ben McKinney has signed a new two-year contract extension at Durham to stay with the club until the end of the 2028 season.

Sunderland-born McKinney has become a regular in the Durham side at the top of the order since making his debut in April 2023.

He has scored five first-class hundreds, including a career-best 244 against Gloucestershire in April, while becoming a regular in the England Lions team.

“I love playing for my home county and representing the badge as a local lad,” he told the club’s website., external

“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.”

The 21-year-old has also made one List-A hundred in white-ball cricket and will play for Southern Brave in The Hundred this season, having made six appearances for Manchester Originals last year.

And hopes are high at Chester-le-Street that McKinney can become the next north-east cricketer to represent the full England team.

“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,” said head coach Ryan Campbell.

“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.”