Overseas star Jacob Duffy has this week returned to New Zealand, following the completion of his three-month stay at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
After joining Worcestershire at the start of the season, Duffy featured 13 times across the Rothesay County Championship and the Vitality T20 Blast, picking up 29 wickets across both competitions, at an average of 25.86.
His impact was felt further afield than on the field however, with the number one ranked T20 bowler in the world sharing his wisdom with the other bowlers in the squad, with the likes of Ben Allison, Adam Finch and Ben Gibbon all benefitting.
Integrating himself as a integral part of the squad, Duffy says he will look back on his time at Worcestershire fondly.
“There was a great list of Kiwi’s that had represented the club before I joined, so when the opportunity arose to come and play here, it was one that I was interested in straight away.
“The feel around the club was so welcoming, instantly I was made to feel welcome and that only contributed to my performances on the field.
“It is funny because everyone talks about the English county game, how tough and attritional it can be – which is true don’t get me wrong. But my overriding takeaway is just how enjoyable the whole set up is, the transitions between formats, the challenges you face playing so early in the year in tough conditions, and whatever happened, the buzz around the ground for our home games is something that will stay with me”
Duffy joined the club with impressive T20 prowess, having worked his way up to top of the world rankings as a short-format bowler.
His pace and intelligent plans made him a priceless asset for the Rapids, as he went on to feature in every game of the eight he was available for in the North Group.
A harmonious relationship was struck up with fellow overseas star, Ben Dwarshuis, as the pair would often share the new ball or work together in the field hatching plans on how to dismiss batters, throughout the innings.
Duffy, says that his relationship with Dwarshuis, was just one of many he built during his time in the Worcestershire shirt.
“Working with someone like Ben is always really cool because you sometimes have an idea of what people may be like or if you have played against them, you wonder what they are like as a person, but me and Benny got on straight away.
“I guess we have both been around, played in different places and travelled around a fair bit, but here we were Worcestershire teammates, so we were able to set plans together, compare ideas and share things with one another about techniques.
“I have an amazing relationship with a lot of the lads though. Dolly, as a captain I have immense respect for, some other guys like Hosey and Ethan I got to know much better as time went on, so the boys made that dressing room a special environment, and not everywhere has that.”
The 30-year-old heads home having made plenty of memories amongst his time with county, across both four-day and T20 cricket.
Of those however, his maiden fifer for the club against close rivals Warwickshire, during May’s Rothesay County Championship fixture, is up there at the top of his list.
After working hard to stay in the game with a valiant first innings batting performance, Duffy led from the front in the second innings, recording Worcestershire best-figures of 5-75 as his side held on for a vital draw.
Despite having to return home midway through the season in similar fashion to compatriot, Henry Nicholls, the Kiwi international says he too will be keeping a close eye on the tables as the year goes on.
“That was a very special moment for me, raising the ball and my cap as we came off, there is something about it in Whites that makes it extra special I think.
“The long spells, the graft with the boys, it makes it all worth it.
“Henry and I both said we would be watching closely for the boys results moving forward, because you build a relationship when you are out on the field toiling away with lads and getting in the fight together, so you don’t just walk away and turn it off!
“I wish the boys and the club every success moving forward and hopefully they can keep fighting in Division One and kick on in the Blast.”
