PROMISING Worcestershire all-rounder Alex Hepburn has signed a new one-year contract with the club.
The 20-year-old has put pen to paper on the additional 12 months with the County after finishing as their leading run-scorer in the Second Eleven Championship this summer and impressing for Malvern side Barnards Green in Division One of the Birmingham League.
Hepburn made his senior debut for Worcestershire at the end of last season, picking up six wickets in two matches in the Royal London One Day Cup – including 4-34 on his debut in the win against Leicestershire at New Road.
Now Hepburn, who has captained the Seconds after George Rhodes’ elevation to the first team, has spoken with Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes about what is required for him to push again for a senior spot next summer.
Perth-born Hepburn also plays grade cricket in Australia during the winter.
Rhodes said: “We spoke a lot about how he is going to be pushing for first team cricket and the requirements that he needs to get into the first team.
“Then he can formulate his plans for the winter going forward and hit the ground running in April and try and push his way in.
“He will probably go back to Perth and play some league cricket there, and if he can get some really good performances there, he’ll try his best to start the season well and challenge for a place.
“Alex is a useful medium pace bowler and, if he can get another yard of pace, it will be even better and with the bat he needs and wants to make sure he is pushing for batting spots as well.”