ESPNcricinfo previews Worcestershire’s prospects for the 2017 season
George Dobell05-Apr-2017Last season:
In:
Out: Chris Russell (released)
Overseas: John Hastings (Aus), Mitchell Santner (T20, NZ)2016 in a nutshell
Ten games into the Championship season, Worcestershire were only seven points off the top of the table. But losses at Kent and Glamorgan hurt their promotion hopes and, despite three wins from their last four games, they had to be content with a third-placed finish. There were several impressive performances, though: chasing 401 in the fourth innings at five-an-over to beat Northants was particularly memorable, while Joe Leach scored a century and took a five-for in the victory over Derbyshire and Miguel Cummins claimed 12 wickets in the win over Derbyshire. Joe Clarke made five Championship centuries and Leach took 65 wickets but, on some desperately flat home pitches, the other bowlers struggled with Charlie Morris and Jack Shantry both claiming their wickets at a cost of more than 50 apiece. A decent run in the Royal London Cup ended in a limp quarter-final performance against Somerset while, after winning their first three games in the NatWest Blast, they faded badly. There was encouragement in the emergence of Brett D’Oliveira as an opening batsman at the start of the season and the return of Tom Fell after treatment for cancer, but when Daryl Mitchell was replaced by Leach as captain at the end of the season it underlined the impression that slightly more had been expected.2017 prospects
It will take a colossal effort to achieve promotion in a tough division, but Worcestershire certainly have it in them to finish in the top four. The absence of a proven spinner remains a significant weakness but, in the likes of Fell, Clarke, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Ben Cox, who has developed into one of the best keepers in the land and is an underrated batsman, they have a young, strong and locally developed middle-order that compares with the best in the division. After a couple of years when the seam attack has looked overly reliant on two or three bowlers, it has a bit more depth now with John Hastings joining Leach, Morris (who has remodelled his action), Shantry and Ed Barnard. If they are to improve in limited-overs cricket – the bookies make them rank outsiders in both white-ball formats – much more will be required of Ross Whiteley but progression to the knockout stages is not unrealistic. Off the pitch, the county face a fight to retain Moeen Ali (who is out of contract in October) and perhaps Clarke (who is not), as well as to reap the rewards for their ground redevelopment over recent years. At present it has created more debt than revenue.In charge
While some might have been reflecting on a quietly satisfactory season last September, director of cricket Steve Rhodes made it clear that he wasn’t satisfied by making the shock decision to change the captaincy. While such refusal to accept the status quo is admirable, it also threatened to unsettle the dressing-room stability of a cosy club where team spirit is vital. To Mitchell’s credit, he admitted his disappointment but committed himself to the cause, while Leach will give his all with bat and ball and expect his team-mates to do the same. Rhodes, meanwhile, may need to demonstrate further improvement if he is not to find his own position stirred up in a similar way to the captaincy. The relatively new CEO, Tom Scott, has made it clear that Worcestershire should set their sights beyond being just a breeding ground for players and should expect to challenge for promotion and trophies. After all, if Northants can do it, why not Worcestershire?Key player
Leach was not only the leading bowler last year – he took more than double the wickets of any of his team-mates in both the Championship and the Blast – but the fifth-highest run-scorer in the Championship and fourth in the Royal London Cup. He took to opening the batting in limited-overs cricket with some success and, such was his drive, he had add the captaincy added to his responsibilities at the end of the season. It’s a huge ask, but Leach has broad shoulders in every sense and appears to relish the challenge. Much will be required of Hastings, too. How his knee stands up to the demands of a full county season may go a long way to defining Worcestershire’s campaign.Bright young thing
Clarke is the obvious answer here but, such has been his progress, he must already be considered a senior player at the age of 20. Watch out for Barnard, too. He has, to date, impressed more as a skilful seamer but he has considerable ability with the bat. Aged 21, he looks an allrounder of considerable promise. And there is Josh Tongue. While Worcestershire have, of late, produced more batsman than bowlers, Tongue is a tall seamer who has been in the youth set-up since he was six and promises better times in the future. Aged 19, he may struggle for opportunities this year, but is worth keeping an eye upon.ESPNcricinfo verdict
The life of a Worcestershire supporter is especially frustrating. From a low base at the end of the last decade, they have rebuilt admirably, discovering young players that could go on to represent England. But each time they appear ready to enjoy some success, it seems a richer county swoops in and reaps the benefit of their hard work. They could push for promotion this year but, up against the likes of Notts and Sussex, it would be a huge achievement.Bet365 odds: Specsavers Championship: 15-2; NatWest Blast: 25-1; Royal London Cup: 20-1
