Cleckheaton bowling star Brad Sylvester signs first professional deal with Yorkshire
Cleckheaton CC pace bowler Brad Sylvester has been rewarded for a promising 2026 season by signing his first professional contract with Yorkshire CCC.
Sylvester has signed a rookie deal with the white rose club’s first team squad and will be looking to press his claims of playing at county level in 2027.
Along with Isaac Bepey, he has penned his maiden deal with Yorkshire, signing a two-year contract after impressing this year.
Sylvester is the latest Yorkshire Academy graduate to progress into the professional ranks. The right-arm seamer has played two tests for England under 19s in 2026 and impressed the Yorkshire coaching staff on the club’s pre-season tour earlier in 2026.
The 19-year-old, who opens the bowling for Cleckheaton in the Bradford League, has been named in Anthony McGrath’s first team squad on numerous occasions this year – including the last match of the season against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge – gaining significant experience along the way.
Gavin Hamilton, general manager of cricket at Yorkshire, said: “These first professional deals for Isaac and Brad are testament to the skill and application they have both shown this year.
“Brad is a really impressive young bowler and another product of the academy – we’re looking forward to seeing him develop over the next two years. The recognition he has received this year from England under 19s is a clear indication of his talent.
“As a coaching unit, we have always believed that a full armoury of fast bowlers will ensure we are competing consistently for major honours. Isaac and Brad complete that battery and we’re excited to see what they bring to the group going forward.”
Sylvester made his England under 19s debut against South Africa at Beckenham and took 1-32 from 13 overs in the first innings then 3-33 from 20 overs in the second.
In the second youth test at Hove he claimed 1-60 and 3-37.