Worcestershire Secures New Zealand Bowler Jacob Duffy for Part of 2025 Season

Worcestershire has secured the services of New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy for the initial segment of their 2025 County Championship and T20 Blast seasons. Duffy’s career statistics include eight one-day internationals, 15 T20 internationals for New Zealand, and 299 first-class wickets. The 30-year-old player’s agreement makes him available for six red-ball fixtures across April and May, in addition to at least one of the two rounds slated for June. His contract also encompasses eight T20 Blast matches, concluding at the end of June. This engagement at New Road marks Duffy’s third period in English cricket, having previously played for Kent in 2022 and Nottinghamshire last season. He joins a lineage of New Zealanders representing the Pears, notably succeeding Nathan Smith, who had a successful tenure at New Road last summer before moving to Surrey. Duffy expressed his aspirations, stating, “I know a lot of New Zealanders have played for Worcestershire in recent years and been successful and I hope I can emulate them and help the club to be successful.” He further added, “I’ve had short spells over in England before but hope being with Worcestershire for almost three months can help with my development as a cricketer.” Duffy, who has participated in 23 white-ball matches for the Black Caps, is expected to help fill the void left by the retirement of long-serving player Joe Leach from the Worcestershire attack next season. Head coach Alan Richardson commented that Duffy’s acquisition, as their initial overseas signing, is anticipated to bolster the squad. Richardson stated, “It feels like we are getting someone who is highly skilled, experienced and a very robust cricketer.” He continued, “With there being no Joe [Leach], it was important to see how we try and fill that gap in different ways.” Richardson also emphasized Duffy’s character, adding, “We also know from doing diligence that Jacob is an outstanding character which is really important in terms of how they fit in, how they work with the current players.” He concluded, “We’ve not only got a skilful cricketer but also an outstanding individual as well so that is really exciting for us.” Duffy’s tenure at New Road is scheduled to commence on 11 April against Yorkshire at Headingley, following the season’s inaugural match at Somerset one week prior.