ADAM Hickey completed his Specsavers County Championship debut by helping Durham over the line at Southport yesterday and said: “It's an amazing feeling.”

The 19-year-old all-rounder, who learnt his cricket in Darlington before moving to Washington, followed his first innings duck with an unbeaten 21 after going in when Durham had lost five wickets for 25 runs.

“The atmosphere was quite relaxed and I didn't think I'd have to get my pads on,” he said. “Then it changed very quickly and I was suddenly a nervous wreck.

““I found out very quickly in the first innings why Jimmy Anderson is the best bowler in the world. But having another of the world's best in Ben Stokes at the other end when I went in today was very reassuring. He calmed me down and tea came at a good time for us. I felt more relaxed by then.”

Hickey, whose father Darren played for Durham seconds in their early first-class days, was brought into the match in preference to Ryan Pringle and took two wickets with his off spin.

“I have been opening the batting for the second team and I see myself more as a batsman,” he said. “But Durham told me to work on my bowling during the winter.

My first wicket was a long time coming. I played against Sri Lanka A and had a catch dropped, and here I was probably trying too hard to take a wicket with every ball. I was delighted when I got the first one.”

Skipper Paul Collingwood said: “Adam showed he has good technique and a strong mental side. Going in in that situation in your first match is bound to nerve-racking, but he played some great shots. These are moments he will always remember.

“Our intensity throughout the game was excellent and I tried to drill home that we had to get over the line. To beat Lancashire twice when they have been up at the top is a good achievement.

“Keaton Jennings and Jack Burnham showed their character and skill in a fantastic partnership. We could be better in some areas – our catching was a disappointment – but I'm not thinking about that at the moment. We will enjoy this and move on.”