Lead Coach Andy Sutton was full of praise for the way Worcestershire Seconds fought back to earn a draw in the three-day Championship match with Leicestershire at Stourbridge.
The County were forced to follow on but centuries from captain-keeper Alex Milton – to follow his 64 not out in the first innings – and ex Academy player Nick Hammond helped them to fightback and share the spoils.
It was a confidence-boosting recovery ahead of the launch of the Second Eleven T20 campaign next week.
Sutton said: “We had chats on the second evening and third morning about it being a good opportunity for someone to make a name for themselves and that’s what Alex and Nick did in fighting to earn the draw.
“We had not bowled well as a group and gave away opportunities softly (with the bat) on a good pitch. But there was an opportunity to go again and they grabbed it with both hands.
“Alex has worked really hard and reaped the rewards this week with 64 not out and a century and also captaining and keeping.
“He had a bit of a load for someone who is still a young man and came out of the three days with flying colours.
“Nick used to be part of the Academy and is trialling about. He would have been disappointed with the way he got out in the first innings but he supported Alex really well in the second innings and got a good hundred.
“Hopefully we will take some confidence into the T20 which gets underway next week.”
Worcestershire face Yorkshire at Weetwood on Monday (July 8) and Northamptonshire at Kidderminster three days later (July 11) in T20 double headers.
