Alex Hepburn admits personal satisfaction at re-writing Worcestershire’s NatWest T20 Blast record books was tempered by finishing on the losing side against Notts Outlaws.
Hepburn returned 5-24 – the best figures by any Worcestershire player in T20 cricket – as he surpassed the 5-28 by Daryl Mitchell against Northamptonshire at Northampton three years ago.
But, after bowling out the league leaders for 145, the Rapids were restricted to 134-8 in reply after losing four wickets in the initial six over powerplay.
Hepburn, speaking after Sunday’s encounter at New Road, said: “Obviously individually it is a proud moment.
“To come into the team and try and contribute at this part of my career and to get five wickets is a great honour. But it’s another loss which we are not happy about.
“It does take the shine off the five wickets but hopefully we can bounce back in the next two games and finish with two wins.
“Were we confident at the half-way stage? I think 100 per cent of our squad were confident. The way we have batted throughout the competition has been our strength.
“To fall short, only chasing 140 odd, is disappointing and we recognise that and we will rebuild for Wednesday (against Lancashire).”
Hepburn, who has enjoyed an excellent season for the Seconds, has been delighted to be given an opportunity by Director Of Cricket Steve Rhodes and captain Joe Leach in recent matches.
He said: “I’ve been saying to Steve (Rhodes) and Joe (Leach) ‘what do I have to do’ and they say ‘just keep doing what you are doing’
“To get a chance and do well, it’s brilliant and feels like the hard work has paid off.”
*Read Hepburn’s ambitions and targets for the remainder of the season in an interview with the Worcestershire CCC website during the next few days.
