IT’S been a whirlwind few weeks for Worcestershire newcomer Ross Whiteley.

The 24-year-old all-rounder’s mid-season switch from Derbyshire to New Road came out of the blue, but he grasped his chance with both hands.

Thrust into the spotlight of Worcestershire’s Friends Life t20 clash with Somerset just days after arriving at the club, there were no signs of stage-fright for Whiteley.

Although overseas all-rounder Andre Russell provided the fireworks with a big-hitting 77 not out to secure a five-wicket win, Whiteley went about his business with a calm assurance.

The diminutive batsman proved a good foil for the all-action West Indian at the other end, contributing a 30-ball 43 as the pair combined to put on 88 for the fifth wicket and take the game away from Somerset.

Whiteley’s cameo certainly proved a quick riposte to some sections of the County’s fanbase, who had questioned why Worcestershire were signing a player who struggled to get into the Derbyshire team.

“I absolutely loved it,” smiled Whiteley about the Somerset match. “It was great to get off to a good start at a new club.

“It all happened very quickly so it was a whirlwind few days, coming straight down here to sign and being thrown straight in.

“I was a bit nervous, a few people might have had their eye on me, but when you are playing around some great players like Andre, hitting the ball like that, you’ve just got to stay out there and enjoy it.

“I loved the atmosphere. It was great to have a good crowd in and it was the same the night before when lots of supporters made their way to Edgbaston. I’m going to really enjoy it here.”

Whiteley struggled to hold down a regular place in the Derbyshire side after their promotion to LV= County Championship Division One and was released from his contract by mutual consent when Worcestershire’s interest became apparent.

Despite having missed a fair bit of cricket through injury this term, he is back fit and raring to go for his new club.

He added: “It just didn’t work out at Derbyshire and the offer was to come here and play. I’ve got a few friends here and it’s a great place.

“We won Division Two at Derby but things just didn’t work out with my plans and it is a new start at Worcestershire.

“There has been a lot of success here over the last couple of years and I’m looking forward to adding to that.

“Hopefully, I can do as much as I can. I need to work a lot on my bowling. With my side injury, I haven’t done much over the last few weeks. I’m going to do a lot of bowling and try and get that and my batting on a par with each other.

“I want to get back playing as much cricket as I can. I’ve been out for a while, the more games I can play, the better.

“It was my first game (against Somerset) for a while. I broke my thumb a few weeks ago and had a side strain straight after that. It’s been a strange couple of weeks getting back into it.

“I’ve had a good few hits in the nets over the last few weeks and I’m really enjoying being back playing cricket.”