Tom Hinley says “it is a dream come true” to register a five wicket haul on his List A debut for Worcestershire Rapids and a goal he has been striving to achieve since he was a youngster.
The spinner has been signed by Worcestershire for the Metro Bank One Day Cup and did not have the chance to bowl in the opening win over Middlesex at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
But the opportunity for the former Sussex player came against visiting Durham and he grabbed it with both hands.
Hinley dismissed Scott Borthwick – superbly caught in the covers by Ethan Brookes – to break a threatening fifth wicket stand of 79 with Ben McKinney.
He then picked up four of the last five wickets and finished with 5-56 from 7.3 overs in a resounding 93 run success for the Rapids.
Hinley said: “For the first time bowling in this competition, a wicket in the first few overs always helps.
“What a catch that was by Brookesy and then the legside stumping by Rodders off a wide as well, and those two get you going and build your confidence.
“I then managed to get three more wickets with good balls rather than with a bit of luck.
“But you need a bit of luck and I’ve waited a while to get that bit of luck in the professional game as well.
“I played my first professional game almost four years ago now (for Sussex) and didn’t get a wicket in that.
“To wait that long, and all the hard work I’ve put in, to finally get the rewards shows it’s all been worth it and hopefully keeps going.
“Five wickets is unbelievable, a dream come true. All I wanted was to just get one and after two or three went, I thought ‘this could be interesting’.
“They were going pretty hard and I always felt something could happen and I was in the game.
“It’s a dream come true to get a personal five-for. It’s something I’ve been working so hard for since I was a kid.”
Hinley says he owes a debt of thanks to Worcestershire Assistant Coach Richard Jones for showing faith in him with the Seconds after a chance meeting at Loughborough University where the 21-year-old is studying for a Sports Science degree.
He had been playing regular Seconds cricket for Worcestershire, impressing in the T20 competition, before his senior opportunity came in the One Day Cup.
He said: “Richard Jones was doing his Level Four coaching at Loughborough and I was in his (bowling) lane whilst he was doing that.
“I met him for the first time then and I got in touch with Worcestershire more in hope rather than thinking anything would happen, played my first Seconds game versus Somerset, did alright, and then was asked to play the rest of them and it kicked on from there really.
“It’s been nice to have the opportunity at this level, because when you are trialling, it is tough because you don’t know where you are each week almost..
“But having that confidence from Jonesy, to say ‘we want you for the whole T20 block’ gives you the comfort that you can go out and perform knowing that you are not playing for your spot almost when you are looking to impress.”
Hinley wants to help Worcestershire build on their impressive start in the One Day Cup.
He said: “I just want to keep putting my name forward, keep trying to do my best.
“We are two wins from two which is a great start for the lads and two pretty comprehensive victories.
“We’ve got a great environment at the moment and one of those I love playing in.
“It’s so close knit and everyone gets on with each other, is happy speaking with each other, and everyone has come and said well done.”
