Yorkshire youngster Will Bennison was last night named Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year 2026.
Bennison, who was awarded his maiden professional contract last year, was given the award for his “composed batting and skilful leg-spin” which “showed consistency and flair”.
He follows in the footsteps of numerous players who have gone on to realise higher honours, including Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and fellow St Peter’s School York and Yorkshire alumnus, Jonny Bairstow.
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWPix.
Will Bennison
Yorkshire captain Bairstow won the inaugural award in 2008.
Bennison made his debut for the St Peter’s first XI when he was in year nine. He scored 3,751 runs and took 95 wickets across five seasons with the team.
The all rounder from York made his professional debut in last season’s Metro Bank One Day Cup fixture against Kent. Having made his England U19 debut in 2025 against Ireland, he was also selected as an injury replacement at the recent ICC U19’s World Cup.
