Alex, who bowled little for the School this summer because of injury, has been with Surrey since he was 14 and has been in the county’s Academy for the last two years. In the last year he has appeared for England Under-19s.

“Playing for Surrey has been a childhood dream of mine,” he said. “I’m excited and very proud to have signed my first pro contract here. Our squad is full of incredible cricketers, and I’m really looking forward to learning from them. I am eager to show my skills in senior cricket and hopefully earn my debut cap for Surrey.”

Chris Taylor, Head of the Surrey Talent Pathway, said “Alex is a promising prospect, and we all have high hopes for him. He’s a hard-working cricketer with a positive attitude and is always keen to grow and improve as a player. I’m delighted that he has earned his first, well-deserved pro contract.”

Thomas signed a professional contract in May. In 2024 he became the first Cranleighan to score 1000 runs in a school season. “I’m delighted to sign my first professional contract with my home club,” he said. “Since joining the Surrey pathway at 11 years old, it’s been my dream to represent the men’s first team. I’ve loved being around the group and am looking forward to learning from some of the best batters in world cricket.”

They join three other Cranleighans on Surrey’s books – Ollie Pope (Loveday 2016), Tommy Ealham (Loveday 2022), and Yousef Majid (North 2022).