Worcestershire Rapids keeper-batter Henry Cullen said the home side were short of a batter making a big score as Gloucestershire ran out six wicket winners in the top of the table Metro Bank One Day Cup Group A clash.
With both sides unbeaten in their opening four fixtures, something had to give at Visit Worcestershire New Road on Sunday, and for the Rapids faithful, it was the hosts that had to forgo their unblemished record.
Despite six of the Worcestershire batters getting in and making their way to 25 or above, there was no score over 36 as the Rapids scratched their way to an under-par 237-8.
With three Gloucestershire batters manufacturing half-centuries, Cullen says that was the key difference in the sides during a frustrating home defeat.
“We’re disappointed to come out at the wrong end of that result but credit to Gloucestershire, they bowled and especially batted just a little bit better than us.
“Every time one of their lads got in, they kicked on whereas a few of us got ourselves in and up to 30s but ended up being dismissed. That was the difference in the game.
“Their bowlers backed each other up well. It was pretty tough to bat on at the start with a bit of nip and a bit of bounce. It was a big toss and they probably had the better of the conditions and fair play to them, they made the most of it.
“The pitch had good pace and carry all through the game but the ball was doing a bit less towards the end.”
The young wicket keeper has been revelling in an extended run in the Rapids side for the One Day Cup, after featuring towards the back end of the Vitality T20 Blast once again this season, the 22-year-old has been entrusted as the side’s first choice wicket keeper in the 50-over competition.
Having showed his potential in the middle on numerous occasions, building a reputation as a valuable counter-attacking lower order batter, his superb wicket keeping skills have elevated Cullen’s profile as a contender for more regular first-team action.
For now however, the exciting prospect is enjoying his time playing under the leadership of Jake Libby and the responsibility with both the bat and the gloves.
“I am enjoying having a run in the side. It’s really nice being able to try and affect the games with the bat and the wicketkeeping gloves. If I have a bad game with one I can try to make up for it with the other. It is nice being able to affect the game through all 100 overs.
“It’s a great group to be part of, Libs leads it really well and it’s just a fun environment where they just let you go and express yourself.
