Worcestershire’s young batting duo, Rehaan Edavalath and Olly Cox, are poised to have their first taste of university cricket against county opposition at the end of the month.
Edavalath, who is studying at Loughborough University, is available to play for Loughborough MCCU against visiting Lancashire in a three-day fixture beginning on March 26.
He signed a two year contract with Worcestershire in September until the end of the 2025 season and made his senior debut in the Championship match with Derbyshire at New Road.
Cox is available to play for Exeter University in another three-day game against Somerset at Taunton Vale, starting on March 31.
He signed a contract extension with Worcestershire until the end of the 2024 campaign and in August hit a T20 half century in his first taste of senior action against New Zealand at new Road
The two players have combined their studies with joining up with Worcestershire for winter training whenever commitments allowed during the past four months.
Worcestershire Head Coach, Alan Richardson, said: “I’ve managed to build up a good relationship with Alex Barrow (Head Of Cricket) at Exeter University with Olly and with Loughborough University with Rehaan and it’s very much about working in partnership really.
“What both universities have said is we will always have preference over them but it’s trying to find that real nice balance for them both.
“They will miss some of our pre-season because of studies, which first and foremost when they are at University is the most important thing, but they’ve also got some really good cricket coming up.
“I know Loughborough have got Lancashire in a game and Exeter have got Somerset so they will be made available for those games if selected rather than made available for us.
“It doesn’t coincide with any first team County Championship cricket.
“It is a real good balance and something I really like because it enables Rehaan and Olly to further their life and their life experiences, and continuing in what they want to do, but also giving them a real hand with their cricket as well.
“When they’ve been able to, they’ve come and joined us during the winter, and it’s been great to have them around.
“You are watching them flourish at Uni, and the stories they have and challenges with trying to balance studies and the lifestyle alongside trying to be professional sportsperson as well is a really well-rounding experience for them and doesn’t compromise their cricket.”
