Record-breaker Matthew Waite praised the “great character” shown by Worcestershire Rapids pace bowler Harry Darley after he bounced back from a challenging Vitality Blast debut to pick up two wickets in the home win over Leicestershire Foxes.
Waite, whose 5-21 was the best ever return by a Worcestershire bowler in T20 cricket, was delighted for Darley who had conceded 35 runs in two overs last weekend during the narrow setback against Lancashire Lightning at Emirates Old Trafford.
He showed his mettle when handed the third over in the powerplay by Club Captain, Brett D’Oliveira against the Foxes.
His first delivery dismissed Rehan Ahmed, caught at wide third man and, after bowling a wide, his second legitimate delivery saw Leicestershire captain, Peter Handscomb, caught at mid wicket.
It was the perfect response and, with Darley and Tom Taylor reducing the Foxes to 22-4, the Rapids went onto win by 16 runs.
Waite said: “We got off to a great start and Harry Darley came back brilliantly after the other night to get a couple of wickets.
“Amazing. It has just been pinpointed in the changing room how well he bounced back from the other night.
“He was pretty upset after the other night but it’s happened to all of us, it’s T20 and it’s a tough game but he came back tonight and showed great character.
“He got a couple of wickets as well so I’m really pleased for him.”
Waite produced a devastating late innings blast with the ball to polish off the Foxes innings but said: “I’m just more pleased that we got over the line as a team.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks in the T20 so it was just nice to get a win with the lads.
“Of course the figures are nice and everyone wants to contribute to the team so I’m happy I could do that.”
