Today, we are delighted to announce that right-arm quick, Blake Cullen, has extended his contract with Middlesex Cricket until at least the end of 2026.
Isleworth born Cullen, now 21, played through the Middlesex Age Group system from the age of 10, before entering and graduating through the Club’s Academy, and in 2017, at the age of just fifteen, made his Second Eleven County Championship debut for Middlesex.
Over the next two years he was a regular in the Club’s Second Eleven, playing in all three formats of the game, and in January 2020 proudly represented England Under 19’s at the ICC World Cup in South Africa.
On returning from the World Cup, he signed his first contract with the Club, on three-year terms at the age of just eighteen, and later that year made his first-class debut for Middlesex, playing behind closed doors in the Bob Willis Trophy against Sussex in a five-wicket win at Radlett.
His breakthrough year came in 2021, when he featured in twelve of Middlesex’s South Group Vitality Blast matches, finishing the campaign as the competition’s third highest wicket-taker, which earned him a wild-card contract with London Spirit in the inaugural year of the Hundred.
Later that year Cullen signed an extension to his contract with the Club, until the end of 2024, although injuries limited his opportunities to play throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
To date, he has made 32 appearances for Middlesex, with 48 wickets to his name, including two four-wicket hauls in the Vitality Blast.
Speaking of Cullen committing his future to Middlesex, the Club’s Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, commented:
“We are thrilled that Blake has agreed to extend his contract with Middlesex, as he is one of the most exciting fast bowling prospects in the game right now.
“Ever since a young age, Blake has had the ability to bowl quickly, and his game was progressing on a steep upward curve until injury set back his progress in the last couple of seasons.
“He has worked incredibly hard on regaining full fitness and now that he is back and firing on all cylinders, we are really looking forward to seeing what he can deliver over the coming seasons.
“With genuine pace, the ability to move the ball both ways, a wicket short ball, and a good head on his shoulders, Blake can pose a threat to any opposing batter, and we’re really excited to see how his game develops further.”
On signing his contract extension, Cullen himself commented:
“I am really excited to have committed the next three years of my playing career to Middlesex and am looking forward to helping the side achieve success on the field.
“Playing with this group of players is special, and I am excited about what we can achieve as a group moving forwards.
“My thanks go to all at Middlesex for their ongoing support and I look forward to replaying the faith they have shown in me.”
