Ben McKinney


Ben Stewart McKinney is an English cricketer who plays for Durham [County Cricket Club] and is a former captain of the England [under-19 cricket team]. He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm off break bowler.

Early life

McKinney played Seaham Harbour Cricket Club. He also played age-group cricket for Durham from under-11s.

Domestic career

McKinney made his debut in the County Championship against Sussex in April 2023, and made 35 in his first innings. He made his List A cricket debut for Durham on 1 August 2023, against Worcestershire. On 4 August 2023 it was announced that McKinney had signed a two-year professional contract with Durham. He agreed a further two-year contract with the club in January 2025.

International career

McKinney captained the Young Lions and England national under-19 cricket team that toured Australia in the winter of 2022–23. They secured a first Youth Test victory in Australia since 2003 and McKinney scored a 45-ball 70 in England's second innings. In August 2023, he was announced as continuing in the captaincy of the England U19 team for the summer matches against Ireland and Australia. In October 2024, he was named in the England Lions squad for their tour of South Africa. Subsequently McKinney was included in the England Lions squad to tour Australia in January 2025.