Worcestershire CCC pace bowler Adam Finch has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2024 season and is determined to keep developing his game and striving for a regular first team spot.
Finch had 12 months remaining of the current three-year deal he signed in August 2019 but has put pen to paper for an additional two years.
The 21-year-old Academy product made his senior debut in 2019 against Lancashire and played in eight County Championship matches that year.
He joined Surrey for a successful loan spell in 2020 and appeared for them three times in the Bob Willis Trophy.
This summer, Finch did not feature in the initial block of Championship cricket in April and May but made three appearances when red ball cricket resumed and seven in the Royal London Cup.
The former England Under-19 player, who made five Vitality Blast appearances in 2020, is now looking to kick on with the next phase of his career and learning curve.
He said: “We talked about it (the contract) for a couple of weeks, and it was nice to get it sorted and all done and dusted.
“I’ve got a close relationship with Paul Pridgeon (Cricket Steering Group Chairman) and trust what he says.
“He recommended Elliot Wilson to have a little look at me for the Academy, so, without that nod of approval, I probably wouldn’t be here now with a new three-year contract.
“In three years, I will be 24 and want to keep maturing as a player and keep learning and developing new skills and will have a period to try and work my way into the first team.
“For me, it is about getting as much experience within these three years before you approach what is often regarded as your ‘best years.’
“The more you can play, the more you can learn and develop and extend the number of years you can have at the top of your game.”
Wordsley born Finch added: “I was hoping to play during the first block of Championship games, and a couple of appearances would have doubled the total number of first team games I’ve played in my career.
“I’ve had some discussions with the coaches about what I can do to make sure that doesn’t happen in the future, and so I’m not the lad missing out in the future.
“The only reason you want to get left out is if you need a rest. That is the position you want to be in.
“I want to try and play as much cricket for the first team as I can. I haven’t played many first class games in comparison to a lot of other people.
“But, from the games I have played, I feel I’ve learnt a lot from them, so, when I get the opportunity to play again, I will have more confidence under my belt.”
Paul Pridgeon said: “Adam is only 21 and will get better and better. He has only played a handful of games, and he will improve and is an exciting prospect for the future.
“At the end of the three years, he will only be 24, and quick bowlers often don’t reach their prime until 26-27.
“He has got his best years in front of him.”
