Aitchison keen to make impact in 2021

Ben Aitchison says the Derbyshire squad have made it easy for him to settle in, as he aims to kick on during his second season with the club.

Aitchison impressed during his debut Bob Willis Trophy campaign, in which he took wickets against Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Durham, and earned a new two-year deal as part of a developing bowling attack.

Having shared the ball with fellow young players such as Sam Conners, Michael Cohen and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, the 21-year-old says he’s enjoying the chance to learn and grow alongside bowlers at similar points in their careers, and is determine to make an impact in 2021.

“My aim before the season was to come in and try to impress, so I’m delighted to be here longer-term,” he said.

“To settle in with a club like Derbyshire, with all of the lads, has been great. It was a very new experience for me, but they’re all such a down to earth group.

“It’s been so easy for me to settle in because so many of the players are at the same stage of their careers that I am, we’re all learning together off of senior bowlers like Reecey and I’m really enjoying that.

“The team is very close already, and having a young group that we can keep together will only bode well for years to come.

“I’ve really enjoyed the experience of playing first-class cricket so far, even with the conditions during the pandemic making it a bit odd, so I’m hoping to keep that momentum going next year.”