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Academy Batter Ben Mayes Signs First Professional Contract With Hampshire
Academy Batter Ben Mayes Signs First Professional Contract With Hampshire
17-year-old batter Ben Mayes has signed his first professional contract with Hampshire
Hampshire Academy batter Ben Mayes has signed his first professional deal with the club which will see him remain at Utilita Bowl until the end of the 2027 season.
Mayes has been part of the men’s Academy since 2024 and has represented England Men’s U19s seven times.
The 17-year-old was part of the Academy squad that won the Southern Premier League for the first time in 2024, and earlier this summer scored a century for the Academy against St Cross Symondians CC at Utilita Bowl.
It’s so exciting to get my first pro contract with Hampshire, and I can’t wait to join up with the team to learn from some amazing people. I have learnt so much as part of Hampshire’s brilliant Academy and thank everyone that helped with my development.
Ben Mayes, Hampshire batter
Mayes has been in the Hampshire pathway since the U14s age group and has played club cricket for Totton and Eling CC.
He made his Academy debut in May 2023, aged just 15 years old. He scored his first half-century for the Academy against Bournemouth CC in August 2024, where he fell two runs shy of a century.
In his first outing for the Second XI in 2025, Mayes scored 105 against Nottinghamshire and followed it up with a century for the Academy ten days later.
We’re delighted Ben has put pen to paper on his first contract. He’s an exceptional young man and cricketer already at such a young age, and we look forward to seeing how he progresses in his time here at Hampshire.
Charlie Freeston, Head of Player Development
On his debut for England U19s, Mayes scored 30 not out and followed it up with 66 against Ireland U19s.
He was then called up to the tour of South Africa, where he made 51 and earned Player of the Match in the first Youth ODI.
This summer, Mayes has been playing against India U19s where he has featured in five Youth ODIs and both Youth Test matches.
He made 82 not out in the final ODI and claimed the wicket of 14-year-old IPL talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi the match before.
Mayes also notched up a half-century in the first Youth Test as England held out for the draw.
