Worcestershire sign former Lancashire batter Taylor Cornall

The 22-year-old impressed while playing for the second XI during a trial spell has been signed up for the 2022 season

Left-handed batter Taylor Cornall has been signed up by Worcestershire for the 2022 season.

The 22-year-old was on trial at New Road having played twice for Lancashire in this season's Royal London One-Day Cup.

Cornall impressed while scoring a century in the Second XI Championship clash with Yorkshire, prevailing against an attack that included ex-South Africa Test quick Duanne Olivier.

He also made an impression on Worcestershire head coach Alex Gidman during a series of net sessions and has been rewarded with a one-year deal.

“I would describe myself as a very determined player, willing to do the hard yards to allow myself to succeed," said Cornall, whose two first-class outings have come on the MCCU circuit for Leeds/Bradford. "I love to play attacking shots, but I sometimes enjoy it most when times are tough, and it’s hard and gritty.”

He added: "Hopefully, I will get the nod at some point in the season, and looking forward to taking my opportunity with both hands.

"An opportunity up for grabs? Which is what makes it such an exciting opportunity and what makes it very attractive. I’m not 18 anymore; I’m 22, and I want to be making a mark in the first-class game."

Gidman explained: “He has learnt things the hard way, spent a lot of time learning his trade, and seems to have a very good head on his shoulders.

“There is an element of the unknown about him but a lot of positive things about him as a person and as a cricketer, and we look forward to getting to know him more over the winter, and trying to help him improve.”

The Pears have also added 20-year-old Mitchell Stanley to their squad ahead of next season after awarding the academy graduate with his first professional contract.

His two-year deal takes him through to the end of the 2023 campaign and comes after making four Championship and seven T20s for the second XI, though a side strain denied him the chance of a debut in the One-Day Cup.

“I was a bit down after not having the chance to possibly play in the Royal London Cup because of injury," Stanley admitted. "I was hoping to play in the majority of those games and prove myself.

“The side strain was the last thing I wanted, and I thought after that I would be on another rookie contract, but they have really backed me with this contract."