Did Essex Cricket Just Sign Durham’s Mitchell Killeen on a Two-Year Deal?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Essex Cricket has made a significant acquisition by signing young talent Mitchell Killeen from Durham on a two-year contract. Eager to join a successful squad, Killeen, who has already made an impact with impressive performances, aims to establish himself in the first team. This move marks a pivotal moment in his burgeoning cricket career.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Killeen has signed a two-year contract with Essex Cricket.
- He will join the club post the 2025 season.
- Killeen made his debut for Durham at 17 years old.
- He has already achieved impressive figures in both first-class and List A cricket.
- His father is former cricketer Neil Killeen.
Chelmsford, Aug 11 (NationPress) - Essex Cricket has officially confirmed the acquisition of young Durham bowling all-rounder Mitchell Killeen as of Monday. The 20-year-old has committed to a two-year contract with Essex, which will see him join the team after the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The right-arm seam bowler and right-handed batter made his List A debut for Durham when he was just 17 years old in August 2022 against Nottinghamshire, where he achieved figures of 1-17 and scored 17 runs from 26 balls while batting at number eight.
Born in Durham, Killeen patiently awaited his first-class debut, which occurred against Zimbabwe A in Harare on March 12 during Durham’s tour of Zimbabwe. In that match, he scored 21 runs from 41 balls and recorded figures of 2-12 across six overs.
Upon signing with the club, Killeen expressed, “I am genuinely thrilled to be joining Essex for the 2026 season. Essex has an exceptional squad of cricketers and has seen remarkable success in recent years.
“When Chris Silverwood reached out, I knew I wanted to be part of what he is building at Chelmsford. I feel my cricket is evolving, and I aim to work hard for a consistent spot in the first team. I already know some of the younger players from my time with England Under 19s and eagerly anticipate meeting the rest of the squad ahead of next season.”
Mitchell is the son of former Durham cricketer and England bowling consultant Neil Killeen, and he made his County Championship debut for Durham earlier this season against Somerset at Chester-le-Street.
He made an immediate impression, achieving a five-wicket haul in the first innings and concluding with figures of 5-36 from 10 overs, including two maidens. In the second innings, he continued to shine, claiming 1-67 from 20.1 overs, also including two maidens.
The Durham Academy graduate has represented England Under-19s on several occasions, capturing eleven wickets during 2022 and 2023, and has trained alongside Essex Cricket’s Luc Benkenstein, Charlie Allison, and Noah Thain.
Upon finishing the 2024 season, Mitchell was honored as Durham’s Second XI Player of the Year, accumulating over 400 runs (including an unbeaten 112) and claiming 18 wickets across formats (including 11 in T20s).
Earlier this year, Killeen was selected for the Professional County Club Select XI squad to face Zimbabwe in a four-day match at Leicestershire, a squad that also featured Essex’s Luc Benkenstein and Jamal Richards.
Chief Executive Officer Dan Feist stated, “We are extremely eager to welcome Mitchell to our club. He is a young seamer with immense potential, and we’ve witnessed his capabilities this season in both first-class and List A formats.
“He will enhance our bowling attack, and we are excited to see him grow and refine his skills here at Essex.”
Point of View
It's clear that Essex Cricket's signing of Mitchell Killeen is a calculated move aimed at strengthening their squad with youthful talent. Killeen's impressive track record at such a young age showcases his potential to contribute significantly to the team's success in the coming seasons.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Mitchell Killeen play?
Mitchell Killeen is a bowling all-rounder, known for his right-arm seam bowling and right-handed batting.
When will Killeen join Essex Cricket?
He will join the club at the end of the 2025 season.
How has Killeen performed in previous matches?
Killeen has shown strong performances, including a five-wicket haul in his County Championship debut and notable contributions in List A cricket.
What is Killeen’s background in cricket?
Killeen is a Durham Academy graduate and has represented England Under-19s multiple times, showcasing his talent at a young age.
Who is Killeen's father?
Mitchell Killeen is the son of former Durham cricketer and England bowling consultant Neil Killeen.
