Worcestershire tie star prospect Pennington down to first professional contract

Dillon Pennington's deal at New Road will come into effect in October, after he has completed his scholarship at Worcester University

England Under-19 star Dillon Pennington has signed a professional contract with Worcestershire.

The seamer, who impressed for his country at the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year, has signed a two-year deal with the county.

The contract will come into effect in October, after Pennington has completed his scholarship at Worcester University.

"We have got one or two of these lads who have got great potential and Dillon can bat, he can bowl and he fields well," said New Road head coach Kevin Sharp, who oversaw the bowler in the Second XI last season.

"He impressed with the Under-19s and has got pace and bounce which is a rare commodity. When the ball hits the splice, it makes it hard for the batsman.

"Dillon is an exciting talent and it’s great that we have managed to secure a deal with him. I’m glad he is one of ours and not someone else’s."

Pennington said: "The Academy has been brilliant, training three or four times a week with all the professional staff and the coaches.

"I also loved playing second team cricket,  being around the pros and in that environment,  but also playing against quality players.

"You learn and improve so much from playing against the better batters and realising where you have to bowl.

"My game awareness has just shot through the roof in terms of improvements. You can’t bowl a slightly bad ball or it just goes for four.

"I try to hit the deck hard and maybe swing the ball a bit."