Durham all-rounder Mark Wood signs professional deal

Wood hit an unbeaten 45 against Nottinghamshire on his Durham debut

All-rounder Mark Wood has signed a two-year professional contract at Durham after making his first-class debut for the county in 2011.

The 21-year-old took five wickets over two innings and made an unbeaten 45 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on his maiden outing.

"I've been a part of the Durham set up for a few years now," Wood said.

"It feels great to be making that next step up to the professional squad. I was really pleased to get my chance."

He's come on a lot in the last 12 months and showed in his Championship debut that he can deliver good performances in high pressure situations

Wood added: "I really enjoyed the experience and was glad to have been able to contribute."

Durham head coach Geoff Cook remains a big advocate of the former academy product, who has been with the county since 2007.

"Mark adds a real sense of enthusiasm to the dressing room and we're delighted to add him to the professional staff," Cook said.

"He's come on a lot in the last 12 months and showed in his Championship debut that he can deliver good performances in high pressure situations which is a great skill to already have under his belt as he continues to mature as a player."