Head Coach Alan Richardson admits having so many new faces in the Worcestershire Rapids squad has brought a real sense of excitement to the Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign as they strive to adapt to the demands of professional cricket.
The Rapids have given One Day Cup debuts to eight players during the opening half of their group campaign and are now preparing for Wednesday’s encounter with Kent Spitfires at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
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Playing at senior level and being part of a squad on a regular basis is new territory for the likes of Academy products Harry Darley and Jack Home, new One Day Cup signings Hishaam Khan and Tommy Sturgess while Tom Hinley had only limited previous first team experience.
There will inevitably be challenges to confront during the remainder of the One Day Cup although the Rapids won three their opening four games before losing to Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Sunday.
But it is one that Richardson and his coaching staff relish in helping young blood rise to the demands of the 50 over competition.
He said: “It is kind of difficult to know what our expectations would have been (for the One Day Cup) to be honest.
“In terms of performance and results, it has started off very well, very strongly. It is exciting to see these guys adapt to the environment, adapt to the new competition.
“Six guys made their debuts in the competition in the first game, seven if you include Ethan Brookes who had not played for us in the One Day Cup before, and then we signed Fateh Singh on loan.
“Plenty of new faces and with that brings plenty of excitement as well.
“There will be challenges along the way without a shadow of a doubt but the boys should take great confidence from those first two or three performances.”
Richardson says the senior players in the squad performing is of even more paramount importance alongside a crop of youngsters.
Ed Pollock, Gareth Roderick and Rob Jones led the way against Middlesex, One Day Cup captain Jake Libby and Tom Taylor stepped up versus Durham and then Roderick and Libby in the win over Derbyshire.
Richardson said: “No matter what happens, it is really important that those senior players, who have played a lot of cricket, always need to perform anyway.
“But it is possibly even more important when surrounded by inexperience.
“I guess with them being role models in how they go about their cricket, you hope the performances take care of themselves.”
Home is in contention to return to the side against the Spitfires after being rested for the away game with Northamptonshire Steelbacks.
Fellow pace bowler Tommy Sturgess is also expected to be available after missing the trip to Wantage Road through illness.
Worcestershire Rapids
1 Fateh Singh
2 Jake Libby (C)
7 Ed Pollock
9 Gareth Roderick (W)
10 Tommy Sturgess
11 Rehaan Edavalath
13 Henry Cullen
24 Jack Home
25 Hishaam Khan
41 Harry Darley
42 Tom Hinley
77 Ethan Brookes
88 Rob Jones
