Getting to know: Harry Darley

Up first is 21-year-old seam bowler Harry Darley, an exciting prospect who’s entering his third year as a professional cricketer at New Road having previously been on the books at Shropshire in the National Counties.

With the start of the new season fast approaching, we decided to ask him a selection of quickfire questions to find out more about his early cricketing journey in Whittington as well as the highlights from his time at Worcestershire so far.

Here’s what he had to say:

So Harry, what are your earliest cricketing memories, either playing or watching the great game?

I’d say it was playing Kwik cricket at my local club in Shropshire, Whittington CC, with Eve Jones (the Lancashire and former Warwickshire opener) coaching.

And who inspired you the most to continue playing cricket in those formative years?

My family have always been a big inspiration, and I just wanted to play the game whenever I had the time to.

Why did you choose to become a seam bowler?

It was the first role that came naturally to me and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I would say that’s allowed me to progress to where I am today as well.

Favourite delivery to bowl?

The nip-backer.

Which village/league clubs have you represented over the years?

As we touched upon earlier, I started out at Whittington Cricket Club as a kid. Then I made my senior club debut for Oswestry and I currently play in the Birmingham Prem for Shrewsbury.

When did you first start playing for Worcestershire?

I played my first game for the club when I was 16. It was during a trial game for the academy against Derbyshire which I earned after impressing for Shropshire against the Worcestershire Under-18s.

What would you say is the biggest highlight from your time in a Worcestershire shirt to date?

My first wickets for the club at New Road against Leicestershire in the T20 Blast. I got Rehan Ahmed out and then a couple of balls later I got Peter Handscomb out too!

Favourite county to play against?

Lancashire.

Do you have any other hobbies/interests outside of cricket?

I’ve always loved football, and I support Liverpool. I also love to play padel with my mates whenever I can.

What's been the proudest accomplishment of your life so far?

Signing my first contract with Worcestershire in 2024 after finishing the 2023 season on the academy.

Are there any other interesting facts about you, cricket or indeed non-cricket related, that people might not already know?

I played in every different position as a footballer in my junior years before choosing to go into cricket full-time.

What are your aspirations for the upcoming county season?

To make my First-Class debut for the club and challenge for a regular spot in the first team.