Harry Came admits his run in the Derbyshire first team has come earlier than expected, but the young batsman is enjoying having the chance to impress.
Came has struck two half-centuries for the club so far, after joining on a two-and-a-half year contract in June, after catching the eye with a brilliant century against Durham in a Second XI T20.
A lengthy injury list, including batsmen Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman, as well as losing the trio of Matt Critchley and Luis Reece to The Hundred, has seen Came open the batting in every Royal London Cup fixture so far, as well as all but one of Derbyshire’s Vitality Blast matches, where he formed a powerful combination with Reece.
His recent 57 in the win over Nottinghamshire got Derbyshire off to the perfect start against their local rivals, and the 22-year-old is aiming to make even bigger contributions to the side, starting with Thursday’s game against Surrey.
“Everyone in the dressing room has been unbelievably welcoming,” Came told BBC Radio Derby.
“We’ve got some very experienced heads, which I’ve been trying to tap into over the last month or so, players like Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman, they’re amazing people to have around the dressing room.
“I like to think I’ve settled in really nicely and I’m just very happy to be playing and getting the opportunity. If you had told me three months ago that I’d have played almost all of the T20 matches and the whole Royal London Cup, I would have laughed at you.
“It’s unfortunate we’ve had so many injuries, but it’s nice to have that opportunity to be playing. In the last couple of games I’ve slogged a few nicely but definitely looking to cash in a bit more, because half-centuries don’t really do much for the team, so I’m looking to get a big score on Thursday and set it up for us.”
Watch Derbyshire in the Royal London Cup!
50-over cricket returns to Derbyshire this month, with tickets on sale now for all home games, including the local derby against Nottinghamshire at The Incora County Ground and the fixture against Yorkshire Vikings at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.
