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Archie’s impressive First Class debut
Archie Vaughan made his County Championship debut for Somerset against Durham and what a debut it turned out to be for the 18-year-old.
The all rounder scored 30 runs in the first innings, sharing in a partnership of 68 with James Rew, before taking one for 69 from 24 overs in the visitor’s first innings. He remained 16 not out when batting for a second time and took two for 40 from 21 overs in Durham’s second innings.
“It was special to get a win on my first experience of four-day cricket and I now know how hard it is to get a win in the format, so it really was special,” Archie said immediately after the match.
During the course of the game many of Archie’s overs were bowled in tandem with England spinner Jack Leach, about which he said: “Jack is great to chat to about what field to set and everything, and to be bowling at the opposite end to him was just amazing.
“That’s definitely the most overs I’ve ever bowled in a match and my right shoulder aches a bit, but I did it for the team and I loved it.”
Talking about the ball that got the wicket of Scott Borthwick the previous evening he said: “That was a perfect delivery. I couldn’t believe I’d bowled a ball like that to be honest I just spread my arms out and started running to celebrate.”
Archie started off his career as a batter but over the last couple of winters has worked hard to develop his off spin bowling.
“I have worked hard on my bowling with Max Waller who had me doing a lot of stuff over the winter which I really thank him for. I wanted to work hard on it because I know things don’t always go your way with the bat and you can always make an impact on games with the ball. I love bowling and I think that it takes a bit of pressure off my batting and to get three wickets in the game means a lot to me.”
Before his Championship debut, Archie’s made his First Team bow in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. Which format does he prefer?
“I enjoy red-ball cricket a little bit more than white-ball cricket because I think the rewards are a bit greater when you win after working for four days to achieve it.”
How much has being part of the Somerset Academy helped Archie?
“The Academy has helped me immensely. I’ve been working a lot with Matt Drakeley and Alex Barrow behind the scenes. They have given me the opportunities in the Second XI, and having a go in the One Day Cup has really helped my cricket. The backing you get from everyone at the Club is just amazing and I can’t thank the backroom staff enough for what they have done for me.
“I’m enjoying myself and I’ve had good opportunities. The team have been amazing and all the senior guys have been really good to me.”
Later this year Archie will be starting his first winter as a full time cricketer but before then there are three more County Championship matches and the Metro Bank One Day Cup Final to look forward to.
“I can’t wait for the One Day final at Trent Bridge and hopefully we can bring back a trophy which will be the start of a lot more to come in Somerset colours.”
