WORCESTERSHIRE academy coach Elliot Wilson believes Dillon Pennington has a chance of challenging for a first-team breakthrough this summer.

Wilson feels the 19-year-old bowler can emulate the achievements of Josh Tongue, Pat Brown and George Scrimshaw in 2017.

He is also optimistic Adam Finch, 17, can continue to develop and make his mark in second-team cricket this year.

Pennington is back studying at the University of Worcester for a sports studies degree after showing his potential for England at the ICC Under 19 World Cup.

Finch has returned to his studies at Stourbridge's Old Swinford Hospital School after also being part of the national squad who reached the quarter-finals before losing to Australia.

Pennington impressed with the new ball for England and had a knack of picking up early wickets.

He played in five of the nation's six games in New Zealand and Wilson said: “Dillon really does look like an exciting prospect.

“He has really got a chance if he gets some confidence and momentum into the season which he should do after a successful World Cup.

“If he does that there is no reason why he can’t progress and really challenge some of the senior guys for a game at some point in the first team.

“He will be available for it (second-team cricket) around his studies at the university.

“Again thanks to the university for allowing him nine weeks off in the first 14 weeks of term.

“That is amazing for them to do that, allowing Dillon to go and play in the World Cup.”

Finch has made big strides forward during the past two years which came to fruition with his World Cup inclusion.

He was selected for three matches despite being at a younger age than some of his team-mates.

Wilson added: “Adam is a year younger than Dillon and he will do well for us in whatever cricket he can play in terms of academy-under 19s and he will play a lot of second-team cricket.

“Quietly he will go about his business and impress people without jumping up and down saying ‘Look at me’.

"He is a good character.”