“I’d be inspired by him. That’s what I want, to be out there.”
From summer exams in the school classroom to heartbreak in the U18 County Cup semi-final, Worcestershire prodigy, Henry Hawes, is already juggling his packed schedule next summer, after a standout season saw the youngster take his game to the next level.
Recently named the Damian D’Oliveira Academy Player of the Year in recognition of his exceptional summer in both Worcestershire and representative colours, the modest and educated Kings School pupil has caught the eye of the hierarchy at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
The life of a young wannabe-professional cricketer comes with plenty of tribulations in its own right, but in the case of Henry Hawes, the added pressures of school exams and University selections make 2026 a rather unique period for the gifted Worcestershire all-rounder, whose talents and maturity stretch far beyond the boundary rope.
“I think last year it showed a bit in my schoolwork!
“I’m trying to be better this year, and obviously, with exams to do and lots of cricket opportunities ahead, I think it’s kind of just learning as I go. Last year was a big learning, especially for balancing schoolwork and cricket.
“I am looking at where I might want to go to University and kind of see where that takes me, I know roughly where I might like to go and the places that can offer the best cricket experiences but also what might work for me, because I know how important the next few months are for me.”
Although undertaking Maths and Economics as part of his studies, it is his intelligence on the cricket field that has set the 18-year-old apart this summer, with his form seeing him become a regular fixture in the Worcestershire 2nd XI, before earning himself a call-up to the Rapids’ side for the national counties showcase match against Herefordshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup warm-up fixture.
Having grown up and developed his cricketing acumen surrounded by lifelong friends Alfie Higgins, Seth Essenhigh and Fin Goodman, the 2025 summer peaked for Hawes in August, during his Rapids debut, where the youngster was able to get a taste of the “professional mindset”, driven by captain, Jake Libby.
“I was more relaxed than I thought actually. Quite a few of the second team players who I had played with, played in that game, so I felt quite comfortable in the environment.
“Obviously Jake was playing so that was quite a big thing and it was kind of my first time where the whole boundary rope was filled with people!
“Walking back to your mark, you really notice them when you’re bowling. But I think the quality of everyone around you and how much they give into each part of the game, it’s just hugely valuable.
“It felt like it was a big step up because people were watching. I thought about it after and ok, it wasn’t my best game, but actually, I just thought that playing at that level above was good exposure for me really.”
Although wicketless on the day, Hawes was able to watch some of the county’s most senior figures operate up close and personal, with Head Coach Alan Richardson guiding the all-rounder through the day, whilst skipper Libby offered a more tactical support role from his fielding position at mid-off.
Perhaps the most valuable insight out of all Hawes’ experiences this summer, including a stunning opening session century on day one of the U18’s three day red-ball match against Gloucestershire, was watching former academy teammate and now good friend, Dan Lategan, flourish at the top of the order in his first year as a senior pro.
If ever there was a perfect time for someone like Hawes to see firsthand the path ahead for Worcestershire’s young players, Lategan’s rise into the spotlight could not have come more poetically.
“I’m really good mates with Dan. I met him in the Under 18’s last year and kind of seeing him progress has really inspired me.
“He was talking to me regularly, then finally he got a contract and I’d come and watch the Metro Bank One Day Cup in the summer and when I would leave, I’d be inspired by him.
“I was thinking ‘that’s what I want, to be out there with him on the team.’
“I want to experience what he’s experienced, with how good it is and how happy it makes him.”
Likening his fearless batting approach and committed bowling style to Worcestershire star Ethan Brookes, Hawes, is a competitor.
Not afraid to lead from the front, Hawes showed his leadership skills during the U18’s County Cup quarter-final against near neighbours, Warwickshire, where the bowler held his nerve under pressure to see his side home in the final over of the match, defending just nine-runs.
His competitive edge was palpable when describing the crowning moment, where he did not live down the moment that the Pears got one over on their old rivals…
“It was always close, virtually the whole way. There was one point they were one down and they needed like, 120, but we kind of got back into it.
“We got a few big wickets and in the middle overs, I think it was me and Lucian (Brockman) who carried on bowling, but I got asked to come on for the last three overs and do a job.
“I was looking at the score and then I think it was nine to win off the last and, I think he edged the first ball for four or something, and I started to think this could go either way.
“He charged me last ball and inside edged it onto his pad… then came the big celebrations!”
As impressive as 2025 was for the young all-rounder, it is the next 12 months that will arguably be the most telling so far, with preparations already underway to ensure that the much talked about talent can continue to realise his potential.
Despite his name having been mentioned in the conversation for England age-grade representation and another spot at the upcoming Super Fours tournament up for grabs, Hawes’ immediate attentions remain a little closer to home.
“The main thing is producing consistent performances for the team – whether that is in second team cricket or the U18s here at Worcestershire.
“I just want to perform consistently and keep showing Worcestershire what I can do.
“Whatever comes after that will come.”
