Worcestershire’s young all-rounder, Jack Home, had a Test debut to remember for England Young Lions after hitting a superb half century to help lead a fightback against South Africa Under-19s on day one in Stellenbosch.
Academy product Home, who signed a three year contract with Worcestershire in the autumn, came to the wicket with England in trouble at 120-6 in the 47th over after being put into bat.
But the 18-year-old showed great composure in adding 153 in 40 overs with Nottinghamshire’s Farhan Ahmed for the seventh wicket during the second half of the day to revive England’s fortunes.
Ahmed eventually fell for 90 and then Home was dismissed shortly before the close for an excellent 63 with the total 273-8 in the 88th over.
But he had done a magnificent job and, in total, he faced 116 balls and struck two sixes and six fours to confirm his all-round promise.
Home was primarily a batter when he first linked up with the Worcestershire four years ago.
But his bowling has also gradually flourished and last summer he picked up 16 wickets in five appearances in the Metro Bank One Day Cup after making his senior Worcestershire debut in the Vitality Blast.
Home also appeared for the Under-19s in two of the three Youth ODIs versus South Africa earlier in the month, picking up a wicket in both games.
England reached stumps at 275-8 from 90 overs.
