Jack Shantry, dad Brian and brother Adam have all played for Shropshire

Young fast bowler Jack Shantry has pledged his future to relegated Worcestershire by agreeing a two-year professional contract at New Road.

The 21-year-old is one of a number of youngsters given their chance over the final few weeks of a depressing summer.

"It's amazing to suddenly find myself playing against players like Steve Harmison," Shantry told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I don't know whether to sledge them or ask for their autograph," he joked.

The left-armer, whose elder brother Adam plays for Glamorgan and whose dad Brian played for Gloucestershire and Shropshire, made his first-class debut against Nottinghamshire in August.

He has so far taken seven wickets in three County Championship games.

With Simon Jones gone and Kabir Ali looking likely to leave, he is the third Worcestershire paceman to agree a new deal, following Aussie veteran Matt Mason and Chris Whelan.

"It's a dream come true for me," he added. "It's what I've always worked hard for.

"I started in the second team last year, then did all right when I played again at the start of this summer, which got me a summer contract.

"But Steve Rhodes and Vikram Solanki have shown faith in me. And, thanks to a few injuries, I've got my chance."

Shrewsbury-born Shantry, who came all the way through the junior ranks to play Minor Counties cricket for Shropshire, admits that his rather unusual bowling action helps him stand out.

"I've never had much coaching," he said. "It comes really from the days bowling with my brother Adam on the drive at home.

"But I've learned a lot from my dad and Adam, who I'm looking forward to playing against nest year.

"We've so far only played against each other in club cricket and he's got the wood on me.

"He's had me dropped a couple of times. But he's never got me out though."

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