Worcestershire have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the next round of the 2025 Rothesay County Championship against Essex starting Friday, and for one man in the Worcestershire ranks, this week’s fixture at Chelmsford carries extra meaning.
Ben Allison, who joined the Pears from Essex over the winter, is preparing to walk out at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground for the first time as a visiting player, an experience he admits will be “a strange feeling, that’s for sure.”
“I’ve been part of that club since I was about eight years old,” Allison reflects. “So to be back, but in Worcestershire colours, will definitely be surreal. But I’m excited. It’s a big opportunity to bounce back after last week and all the lads are really keen to respond.”
Allison made the move to Visit Worcestershire New Road permanent ahead of this season, following two successful loan spells in previous campaigns. And although this week might see him bowling at a few familiar faces, including brother Charlie, he insists the build-up has remained light-hearted.
“Yeah, I’m staying at home this week with Charlie, so I’m right in the thick of it,” he laughs. “There’s been a bit of banter flying around already and I’m sure there’ll be a few comments out in the middle, but all in good spirit. I’m genuinely buzzing for it.”
While Allison is focused on helping Worcestershire push up the Division One table, he’s quick to acknowledge the role Essex played in shaping him.
“I’ve got huge admiration for a lot of the bowlers there, guys like Jamie Porter, Sam Cook, Shane Snater. Their records speak for themselves,” he says. “Seeing how they operate, how they’ve helped Essex compete for titles year in, year out, that’s taught me a lot. Hopefully I can bring some of that knowledge into our group now.”
That experience could prove especially valuable this week. Worcestershire pulled off a memorable win at Chelmsford last year, and with Essex boasting one of the most dangerous bowling attacks in the division, Allison knows just how tough it will be to repeat the feat.
“They’re so strong at home. Their attack is relentless, very disciplined, very accurate. It’s about how we absorb that and find ways to apply pressure back on them. Winning here last season was massive, and if we can do that again, it sets the tone brilliantly for this red-ball block.”
Allison’s move to Worcestershire has gone about as smoothly as he could have hoped.
“I’ve absolutely loved it,” he beams. “It’s been everything I wanted it to be. Having had a couple of spells on loan helped me settle in, but even beyond that, the lads have been amazing. Really welcoming, really tight-knit.”
So, are the dressing room dynamics much different?
“There are a few differences here and there,” he admits, “but the team camaraderie is very similar, and that’s such a big thing. You can’t really put a price on having a good group. That bond in the dressing room usually translates onto the field.”
As someone who’s bowled hundreds of overs on the Chelmsford pitch, Allison knows exactly what the surface demands, and what it rewards.
“The key is discipline. It’s about being as consistent as possible, almost boring the opposition out,” he explains. “Look at Cook and Porter, they’ve made a career out of hitting the top of off stump ball after ball. It sounds simple, but that’s the art. It’s no different whether you’re a youngster starting out or someone established in the game: top of off doesn’t go out of fashion.”
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