'It's cut-throat' - what is it like to be a second XI cricketer?
Thu 30 Jul 2026
Sheridon Gumbs' determination and resilience have been highlighted in a BBC Sport feature charting his route to a professional contract at Leicestershire. The 22-year-old batter spent 18 months with the Club on a second XI trial, balancing the uncertainty of county cricket's competitive pathway while continuing to deliver performances with the bat.
After being released by Surrey and facing setbacks elsewhere, Gumbs found an opportunity with the Foxes and never looked back. His perseverance was rewarded earlier this month with a long-term contract through to 2029, having already made his First-Class debut and played a role in Leicestershire's memorable Division One victory over Yorkshire. The feature offers an insight into the challenges many aspiring professionals face and the belief that helped Gumbs turn his opportunity into a career.
You can read the full article, written by Andrew Aloia on the BBC Sport website below.