Fateh Singh says he’s relishing the opportunity to make his red-ball debut for Worcestershire after a composed and effective performance on day three helped keep his new side in the contest against Sussex.
The 21-year-old left-arm spinner returned figures of 3 for 58 from 17.4 overs, claiming key lower-order wickets to bring Sussex’s second innings to a close for 256, setting Worcestershire a target of 361.
Speaking after play, Singh admitted it felt good to get a proper spell under his belt, “I rather enjoyed it,” he said. “It’s nice to get into a bit of rhythm and bowl an actual spell, rather than just coming on here and there for an over or two. I did feel good with the ball today, which allowed me to take a few wickets, which was really nice as well.”
While Singh hadn’t played much red-ball cricket prior to this match, just one appearance on loan at Northamptonshire, he was delighted to receive his cap on debut and is eager to kick on.
“Very happy to make my debut in the red-ball stuff. I’ve only played the one game before, so it’s the start of things, and hopefully I can build from here,” he added. “I was here for the 50-over competition last year, so I already knew a few of the lads and I’ve settled in well.”
Despite a strong Sussex position at several points during the game, including an 80-run opening stand and a frustrating 100-run final-wicket partnership in the first innings, Singh believes Worcestershire have fought their way back admirably.
“After 80 for nought and then 80 for six, to let them go on to 280, we’d have liked to wrap things up quicker. But credit to their Jack (Carson), who batted really well,” Singh reflected.
“Obviously getting bowled out for 180 ourselves wasn’t ideal, gifting them a lead of 100 straight away, but I think it was good to get the seven wickets today as quickly as we did. Again, we’d have liked to get them for a few less runs, but Libbs has batted really well and put us in with a chance. We’ll come back fresh tomorrow and give it a proper go.”
When asked whether he was ever in line to go out as nightwatchman, Singh laughed it off. “No, I didn’t think I was nightwatching, that’s Ben Allison’s job,” he said.
And as for the pitch conditions heading into the final day? “It’s not turning massively, but the odd one is. There’s still a bit in it, maybe a little bit of nip, but it’s definitely slowing down now. One day to go, and everything to play for.”
