Gloucestershire sign academy pair

Gloucestershire have signed 18-year-old academy players David Payne and Chris Dent on two-year contracts.

Payne, who has played for England Under-19, is a fast bowler and will start with the club in October, having been part of the Gloucestershire academy for two years. Dent, a batsman and left-arm spinner, has worked his way up through the Gloucestershire youth teams, and will join the squad in March, after touring overseas during winter.

"I am delighted for both players. They have worked incredibly hard whilst being part of the Academy," said Owen Dawkins, Gloucestershire's academy director. "It is great to see these talented young players coming through the Academy here and is great for the emerging young cricketers of the county to see what can be achieved."