Michael Vaughan's son inks professional cricket deal with Somerset

Archie Vaughan who is the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, has inked his first professional contract with Somerset. 

The 18-year-old top-order batter and offspinner has been a part of Somerset's academy since 2020 and has attended Millfield School since he was 15. His contract begins on November 1 and covers the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Vaughan debuted for Somerset's second team in 2022 and plays local club cricket for Taunton St Andrews. 

He joined the main squad for a pre-season tour in the UAE, where he scored 35 off 28 balls in a win against Yorkshire in the Abu Dhabi T20 Counties Super Cup third-place play-off. Despite his promising performances, he has yet to make a first-team appearance.

Expressing his excitement, Archie Vaughan told Somerset's club website, "It's something that I've worked extremely hard for and it's something that I've strived for since I was a kid, so to get the opportunity for a club where I've really enjoyed myself over the last few years is an honour."

"I will be looking to gain as much experience as I can and learn as much as I can from the more experienced players in the dressing room," he added.

Somerset's director of cricket, Andy Hurry, praised Vaughan's dedication and potential: "Archie is a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Since joining the academy, he has demonstrated a genuine and strong desire to work incredibly hard and improve every facet of his game.

"This hard work alongside his impressive on-field performances have led to second XI opportunities, in which he has flourished."

Archie Vaughan joins a growing list of children of former England players making their mark in domestic cricket. Andrew Flintoff's children, Rocky and Corey, are with Lancashire, and offspinning allrounder Josh de Caires, son of Michael Atherton, is a first-team player for Middlesex. Haydon Mustard, son of Phil Mustard, made his first-class debut for Durham this season and represented England at the U19 World Cup.

Michael Vaughan, who played 82 Tests and 86 ODIs for England and captained the national team from 2003 to 2008, most notably leading them to a historic Ashes victory in 2005, now sees his son beginning his professional journey in cricket.