A product of Bedford School, Thurston made his first-class debut for Loughborough MCCU in 2016 and was a strong, consistent performer. He impressed coaches at Wantage Road by scoring a century against Northamptonshire in the 2018 University Game after representing the Second XI the season prior.

Thurston broke through and made Northamptonshire debut in all three formats in 2018, after showing early promise. He scored 53 on his List A debut in a tricky match against Yorkshire at Headingly.

All of the promise was transformed into top first-class performances in 2020, as Thurston lead the run scoring for Northamptonshire in the Bob Willis Trophy. With more experience of both red and white ball cricket in 2021, he will be looking to progress even further in 2022.