Delray Rawlins has become a trailblazer after signing a one-year junior contract with Sussex.

The 19-year-old all-rounder is the first Bermudan to sign a professional deal in county cricket.

Rawlins, pictured below, impressed with the bat last season, making centuries for Sussex 2nd XI, Sussex development XI and Eastbourne in the Sussex Premier League. The former St Bede’s pupil also took 41 wickets with his left-arm spin to earn selection for the Young Lions programme this winter.

Rawlins – who made his senior debut for Bermuda at the age of 15 – said: “I’m very excited to have the security of the one-year contract.It’s something I’ve worked towards for a couple of years now.

“Now I hope to show that I’m good enough to be a full-time pro cricketer, it’s really an exciting opportunity for me. It’s a junior pro contract so most likely I’ll start in the second team next year, but definitely it’s something to build on as I try to play in the first team.”

Rawlins will hope to emulate the progress of fellow academy graduate Phil Salt who has agreed a new one-year contract having signed a junior professional contract last winter.