Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s academy boss says it’s a matter of “when, not if,” home grown talent Harry Moore will go on to represent England.
Head of Talent Pathway, Daryn Smit, was full of praise for his former academy player when he discussed his rise through the ranks at the club.
Derby-born Moore burst on to the county cricket scene for Derbyshire in 2023, becoming the club’s youngest ever debutant aged just 16, against Worcestershire in the One Day Cup.
After signing his first professional contract at The County Ground in June of last year, along with fellow academy graduate Yousaf Bin Naeem, the 17-year-old went on to represent the county’s first team.
Moore’s last-gasp innings at Taunton to see them over the line against Somerset will live long in the memory of Falcons fans, with plenty more still to come from the youngster, who has committed a further three years to the club, extending his contract until 2027.
But Smit spotted his potential early on, immediately after taking up his role with the club five years ago.
“I started with the club at the beginning of 2020, when Harry was an under 13, however because of just how developed he was, he spent most of the time up an age group with the under 14s.
“With Harry, it was pretty obvious from an early point that he was a serious talent – he had the height, the attributes, the characteristics.
“By the time he was 15, it became a question of when, not if, he was going to become a professional player – and I think breaking the record to be the youngest ever player to play for the club backs that up as well.”
Speaking on Moore signing his first professional contract, Smit described himself as feeling like a “proud Dad,” and shared his thoughts on the player’s future.
“When you look at Harry now, it’s not if he’s going to play for England, it’s when.
“You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket, but if we’ve got someone who’s going to go on and play for England, I’d say that Harry is nailed on far that – barring anything drastic.
“And not just playing a game here or there against a less-experienced team, I’m talking about actually having a career.
“You don’t want to make massive statements that he’s the next Ben Stokes because I think it’s a bit apples and oranges, but I’ll say that he has the potential to offer as much in both bowling and batting departments.
“There’s always the temptation to rush things, but we have to be patient with his development – sometimes you forget that because of his size.”
Over the Winter break, the teenager has been called up to represent both England Lions and England under 19s – most recently on tour in South Africa where he has shone with the ball, showing a potential glimpse into the future of the Derbyshire talent.
