Ben Aitchison has been named in Wisden’s under 24 LV= County Championship Team of the Year, after the promising seamer finished as Derbyshire’s leading wicket-taker in the competition.
Aitchison, 22, enjoyed a excellent season with the ball, claiming 34 first-class wickets at an average of 23.29, including best figures of 6-28 against Durham at The Incora County Ground.
Wisden had already recognised Aitchison’s efforts in 2021, naming him as one of nine breakout stars from this season’s LV= County Championship, while Derbyshire all-rounder Matt Critchley was also named in Wisden’s overall County Championship Team of the Year.
In the Under 24 Team of the Year, Aitchison features alongside England internationals in Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, James Bracey and Dom Bess, highlighting the levels the young quick hit in 2021.
When looking at Aitchison’s season, Wisden wrote: “After making his first-class debut last year, Aitchison finished this season as Derbyshire’s leading wicket-taker in the County Championship. Durham fell victim to his career-best figures of 6-28 in May.”
Aitchison formed strong partnerships with fellow young quicks Sam Conners and Mikey Cohen as part of Derbyshire’s exciting clutch of young fast bowlers, with all three players claiming their maiden first-class five-wicket hauls in 2021, while Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with the University of Derby graduate, Nick Potts, will be looking to make a positive impression next season, after overcoming an ankle injury ahead of the winter training program.
