Cricket

Worcestershire County Cricket Club has bolstered its spin bowling department with the acquisition of Fateh Singh from Nottinghamshire on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old left-arm spinner impressed during a loan spell at New Road last summer, capturing 15 wickets in the One-Day Cup at an average of 24.13.Singh's performances in the One-Day Cup, including a career-best 4 for 52 against Somerset, earned him a first-class debut for Northamptonshire later in the season. A former England U19 international, Singh was part of the team that reached the final of the 2022 U19 ODI World Cup.Despite being contracted to Nottinghamshire until the end of 2025, the club agreed to facilitate Singh's move to Worcestershire to aid his development. The spinner had made only 12 appearances for Nottinghamshire, all in the One-Day Cup, and had been overtaken by 16-year-old off-spinner Farhan Ahmed.Worcestershire, who secured their Division One status with a sixth-place finish last season, will provide Singh with the opportunity to further his career. The club has a reputation for nurturing young talent, as evidenced by the success of Jake Libby, who has flourished since joining from Nottinghamshire.Singh expressed his delight at signing a long-term contract with Worcestershire, stating that he had a great experience with the club last summer. He is eager to continue his development and make an impact on the team.Worcestershire chief executive Ashley Giles hailed Singh's signing as a crucial step in building the squad. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the spin department, especially after the tragic passing of left-arm spinner Josh Baker at the start of the summer.The move reinforces Worcestershire's spin stocks, which were depleted by Baker's untimely demise. The club opted not to sign Amar Virdi, who had undertaken two loan spells at Worcestershire, following his release from Surrey.

Worcestershire's resilience shone through as they secured a resounding 93-run victory over Durham in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Visit Worcestershire New Road. Despite a shaky start with the bat, the hosts rallied behind captain Jake Libby's composed 89 and debutant Fateh Singh's List A best 60 to post a competitive 260.Durham's batting woes began early as Tom Taylor's opening over yielded three wickets, including skipper Alex Lees. Ben McKinney's maiden List A half-century provided a glimmer of hope, but Worcestershire's bowling attack, led by debutant Tom Hinley, proved too formidable.Hinley, a former Sussex spinner, made an immediate impact, claiming five wickets in his first List A outing. His victims included McKinney, who fell for a well-made 80, and Jonathan Bushnell, who was stumped off a wide.Libby's innings was a masterclass in recovery. He anchored the Worcestershire innings, accumulating runs steadily while wickets fell around him. Singh, on loan from Nottinghamshire, played a vital role, contributing 60 runs and forming a crucial partnership with Libby.Durham's chase was derailed by Taylor's early wickets. McKinney and Scott Borthwick attempted to rebuild, but Hinley's four-wicket burst swung the game decisively in Worcestershire's favor.The victory marks Worcestershire's second consecutive win in the tournament and highlights the depth and resilience of their squad. Libby's leadership and the contributions of debutants Singh and Hinley have been instrumental in their early success.