BERKSHIRE and Finchampstead cricket star Dan Lincoln has signed a one-year rookie contract with Middlesex.

The 24-year-old hard-hitting batsman made his maiden 1st XI appearance last summer, making a quickfire 30 in the Vitality Blast when replacing the injured AB de Villiers against Gloucestershire in Cheltenham.

He made two further Blast appearances last summer, against Glamorgan in Cardiff and Sussex at Hove.

His call-up came on the back of a series of impressive batting displays for the 2nds – none more so than when he smashed 118 off just 53 balls just a week before his call-up to the 1st XI last July.

In total, he has made 25 appearances for Middlesex 2nds across all three formats.

Former Reading FC Academy goalkeeper Lincoln told the Middlesex Cricket website: “I am looking forward to being involved in the side and imprinting some of my skills on winning games of cricket."

Meanwhile Middlesex Cricket’s Managing Director of Cricket, Angus Fraser, added: "Dan enters our elite environment at an older age than most, but his desire to improve and make the most of his opportunities is clear to see. In his own uncomplicated way, he scored more Second Eleven runs than anybody at the club in 2019 and is one of the best fielders I have seen.

"This skill is undoubtedly helped by him being a semi-professional goalkeeper for Hampton and Richmond Borough Football Club.

"His slip catching is almost comparable to that of Ollie Rayner."

Another to sign a one-year rookie contract with Middlesex is top-order batsman Joe Cracknell, who has also appeared for Berkshire.