RTA SpeedBlitz Blues pace bowler Trent Copeland has signed a three year contract with Cricket NSW

Getty Images

RTA SpeedBlitz Blues pace bowler Trent Copeland has signed a three year contract with Cricket NSW.

23 year old Copeland, who burst onto the scene with the second best bowling figures ever by a New South Welshman on debut, when he achieved 8/92 against Queensland at the SCG in late January, has had an incredible start to his First Class career.

He has so far taken 30 wickets at the miserly average of 16.66, in only 4 First-class matches.

Only 3 bowlers, Ted Evans (1874-75), Tom McKibbin (1894-95) and Pat Crawford have taken more wickets in their first four matches for NSW, and the last of these to do it was Crawford 55 years ago when he took 32 wickets in 1954-55.

Cricket NSW Chief Executive David Gilbert expressed his delight at the signing: ' Trent has had a tremendous start to his First-class career and we are very pleased to have secured his services for the next three years, at least. He is an exciting prospect for Australian cricket.'

Copeland himself was excited about signing a three year deal: ' I am extremely happy to commit myself to the RTA SpeedBlitz Blues for the next three years. I have really enjoyed myself so far in my short First-class career and this contract means that I can now concentrate my energies on becoming a full-time cricketer and helping NSW achieve success in the coming years'.