Durham has signed 18-year-old James Minto to a two-year professional contract that runs until the end of the 2028 season. Minto debuted in first-class cricket against Surrey two years ago at the age of 16.
The England Under-19 player has appeared in seven first-class matches, claiming 14 wickets during those outings. He holds the record as the youngest player to score a half-century for Durham, a feat achieved after hitting 67 against Nottinghamshire in 2025 at age 17.
Beyond his first-class appearances, Minto has represented the club in the One-Day Cup and a single T20 Blast game. Durham director of cricket Ryan Campbell said, "Minty is a player with a huge amount of potential and it is extremely pleasing to see him rewarded for the excellent performances he has put in for Durham over the last couple of seasons."
Campbell added that the club expects the player to develop his skills with both bat and ball in the future after his recent success for Durham and the England Young Lions.
