Ben Twohig has set his sights on challenging for a Worcestershire CCC first team spot next summer – and takes inspiration from the example of Josh Tongue’s rapid rise.
Spinner Twohig has established himself as a regular member of the Second Eleven after making his debut at the age of 15.
He was given his first taste of captaincy at that level last summer, primarily in the T20 competition.
Twohig would rather experience a lengthy career – even if that means taking longer to become a first teamer – rather than break through early and “not be playing at 24.”
But the 19-year-old feels he is making strides in the right direction to achieving his goals.
He said: “How are things developing for me? I’m definitely getting there. It’s been hard and up and down like any career as a sportsman.
“But we are definitely turning the corner now and getting there.
“Hopefully next season, I will try and break into the first team and give it a good go. Any format really. I’m happy to play in anything.
“I started playing in the second team when I was 15 so 2017 has been my fourth summer of playing senior cricket.”
Twohig enjoys playing against experienced players of first team quality.
He said: “I played my first second eleven game against Yorkshire and there was Jack Leaning, Jack Brooks, Matthew Fisher and then this year we played them and they had Ryan Sidebottom, Liam Plunkett and Ben Coad in the team.
“With sportsman’s careers going up and down, you find yourself playing against people like Jonathan Trott. It is good experience.
“Does the fact some of those names who have made it give you inspiration? Definitely. Especially if you look here at Tonguey who this year has done so well and it’s fast-tracked him so quickly onto the Lions and he deserves it.
“He’s had a brilliant season and it shows just how quickly things can happen. He is on the Lions tour and could have played for England.
“It is about breaking through, which is one of the hardest bit, and then staying there really.”
Twohig added: “Being 19, it is still young. I’ve always said I’d rather have a long career and not break until the first team until later and play until I’m older rather than break in at 17 and not be playing at 24.
“Everything takes time and people are different. Some mature and learn their trade quicker than others. Some take longer.”
