Stars of both the present and the future came to the fore at Kidderminster over the weekend as Worcestershire’s 2nd XI took on a combined Academy and National Counties partners XI.
Pathway product Assadullah Azami led the way for the 2nd XI, returning exceptional figures of 4-69 during a first innings that saw the visitors bowled out for 273.
In response, an impressive second wicket stand between of 120 between teenager Toby Cox (58) and captain Henry Cullen (85) laid the foundations for Worcestershire.
Encouraging contributions from Rob Jones, Isaac Mohammed and Fin Jones saw the 2nd XI close the final day 330/7, with both sides shaking hands having continued their early season preparations in eye-catching style.
Bowling first on an overcast Saturday morning at Kidderminster, the 2nd XI wasted no time in making their first breakthrough, with seamer Harry Darley continuing his impressive run of form by taking the first wicket of the match as he bowled Hamza Khan for nine.
Exciting left-arm paceman Jeet Varaich (1-14) then had Hasan Mahmood caught behind by Henry Cullen without scoring, before Ben Jones beat the defences of Daniyal Khan for a well-made 32, as the hosts reduced their opponents to 42-3.
The bowling unit were made to work hard during the ensuing overs however, as a 148-run fourth wicket stand was ended when skipper Ollie Walker (68) and Genaro Reddy (79) both retired, before Azami returned to castle Rohan Luthra to take his team’s sixth wicket.
Highly rated keeper-batter Seth Essenhigh, representing the combined XI as a guest, made a bright start with two boundaries but his brief cameo was prematurely ended by off-spinner Fateh Singh, for 14.
Aside from the lone resistance of number eight, Dan Newton, it was Azami who dominated the closing stages of the card, twirling his way to two wickets in as many deliveries, before returning to remove Newton for a well-made 58, as the 2nd XI dismissed their opponents for 273.
Worcestershire’s opening pair made a bright start to the run chase, as Isaac Mohammed and Toby Cox past fifty for the opening stand with fluency, with Isaac showing his typical positive approach by taking the game to the visitors seam attack.
In a brisk 33-ball-30, Isaac’s innings included seven boundaries, before he was eventually being LBW off the bowling of Luthra, prompting the return of Henry Cullen to the middle, eager to extend his run of form that saw him star for Woodville CC in Australia, during the winter.
While Canadian U19 young-gun Cox, displayed a mature temperament to rotate the strike and pick off any loose bowling, Cullen delivered a timely example of his undeniable quality, dominating the visitors attack in a stunning knock of 85, registered from just 62 balls, striking 11-fours and four-sixes in the process.
Shortly before the pair retired and their superb 120-run partnership was ended, Cox made his way to a fine fifty of his own, demonstrating once again his capabilities as one for the Worcestershire faithful to keep a firm eye on throughout 2026.
At 179-3, the highly rated Alfie Higgins came together with Rob Jones in the middle, with the pair picking up where their teammates had left off.
Jones exerted his usual control over proceedings, whilst Higgins was busy at the other end ensuring the Worcestershire 2nd XI total continued to climb.
Higgins made 35 before he was eventually caught, bringing an end to an encouraging knock as Fin Jones made his way to the crease with his side in a strong position.
The middle-order batters added 56 for the fifth wicket, taking their team ahead in the match during the process, with youngster Fin, scoring freely even after the departure of his partner, Rob, who was removed for 45.
With bad weather circling, Essenhigh showed sharp work behind the stumps to see the back of Jones for 46, before playing a key part in Worcestershire’s eighth wicket of the innings the very next ball, as the wicket-keeper took a smart catch to dismiss Fateh Singh.
At 330-7 and with weather worsening, the sides shook hands and made for the pavilion, bringing an end to a thoroughly entertaining and engaging contest.
Full Scorecard
