Harry Darley faces England captain Ben Stokes on Worcestershire first class debut
Worcestershire handed a first-class debut to Shrewsbury’s Harry Darley in the same match that marked Ben Stokes’ return for Durham.
Shrewsbury cricketer Harry Darley has made his first class debut for Worcestershire, facing England captain Ben Stokes on his much-anticipated return to action.
The Pears academy graduate plays his club cricket for Shrewsbury in the Birmingham League.
The 21-year-old was handed his debut for Worcestershire’s County Championship Division One clash, which began today, lining up alongside Shifnal’s Jack Home, who returned to the side.
The game also marked England skipper Ben Stokes’ return to action for the first time since June 2024 after recovering from facial surgery following a cheekbone injury.
Stokes’ last appearance for Durham before today also came against Worcestershire, in 2024.
The 34-year-old made an electric start, removing Worcestershire opener Dan Lategan in the fourth over. His opening spell ended with figures of 1-14 from four overs, including a maiden.
Darley signed a one-year contract extension with Worcestershire last October. The right-arm seamer signed a rookie contract in 2024 before making his senior debut for the Pears that summer in both the T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup.
He made his T20 debut against Lancashire and claimed three wickets on his One-Day Cup debut against Middlesex.
The 21-year-old played for Oswestry before moving to Shrewsbury Cricket Club in 2022. He joined the Worcestershire academy later that year.
Darley also helped Worcestershire win the Under-18s title during his time in the club’s academy system.
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