Worcestershire teenager Harry Darley pens rookie contract

The 19-year-old pace bowler made a number of appearances for the 2nd XI in 2023 as well as featuring against a New Zealand XI, taking 2 for 20

Worcestershire teenager Harry Darley has penned a rookie contract for the 2024 season.

The 19-year-old pace bowler made a number of appearance for the 2nd XI in 2023 as well as playing a key role in the Under-18s' County Championship triumph, taking 21 wickets in five matches.

He also featured in a warm-up match against a New Zealand XI at New Road, dismissing Chad Bowes and Rachin Ravindra en route to figures of 2 for 20 from his three overs.

His goal for 2024 is to cement a regular spot in the 2nd XI and put himself on head coach Alan Richardson's radar for the first team.

"To get that first contract means a lot. Over the last couple of years it's been quite quick for me going up the ranks from Shropshire, to getting involved and then enrolled with the academy at Worcestershire, and playing quite a lot of second team cricket, a big step up," he said.

^{Darley praised the support given by head coach Alan Richardson [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

"The last few weeks training with the lads has been really good and I've enjoyed every minute being with Worcestershire, with the academy and now the first team squad.

"To train regular with the pros and coaches is massive. You are training virtually every day of the week, working on technique and you just know you can get better from training every single day.

"Richo and Jonesy [Richard Jones] are a big help, very supportive, and you can always go to them for advice and ask them about what to work on. It is so helpful to pick up information from them and the other lads like Gibbo [Ben Gibbon], Waitey [Matthew Waite], Leachy [Joe Leach]."

Richardson tipped the youngster to have a bright future, adding: "Harry was one of a good crop of academy players and I think he had an outstanding season in terms of the way he performed for the academy, Shrewsbury and the seconds.

"Whatever standard we put him at last year, he seemed to do well and he keeps things really simple, which is a real skill in itself. He bowled well against Shropshire and then against New Zealand in a big game for him.

"Harry has impressed. There is a bit of a ceiling there which is exciting for us to try and reach."

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