A talented wicket-keeper batsman, Sam Bates is a professional English cricketer who is a graduate from Leicestershire’s flourishing Academy and has previously played for the club’s Second XI. 

The youngster has been a regular feature for the second-string team and made an excellent century against Northants second XI. Bates was heavily tested when he was sent to open the innings against a Lancashire attack that included the English international, James Anderson.

The southpaw earned a callup to the first team squad in 2020 due to injuries in the wicketkeeping department but didn't feature in any matches. He was subject to a contract extension in 2020 and continued to train over the winter to make his senior debut for the County in 2021. Yet to feature in the Championship, Bates is hopeful of the team management to provide him some game time before his contract expires.

(As of July 2021)