worcestershire head coach kevin sharp is revising the build-up itinerary to the new campaign in a bid to get in as much outfield practice as possible before the opening specsavers county championship match with hampshire at the ageas bowl on april 13.
the county’s three-day first class fixture with leeds bradford mccu at rgs worcester was abandoned without a ball being bowled and the two-day academy-second eleven fixture today and thursday has suffered the same fate.
an internal two-day practice match – which was to have featured australian batsman travis head after his link-up with worcestershire this week – at New Road next monday and tuesday has been called off after parts of the ground have become flooded.
but sharp and his coaches are remaining upbeat and determined to make the best of the situation with the elements having affected many counties preparations during the past few days.
he said: “the weather is frustrating but we are doing our best, doing all we can do, to get in as much practice outdoors as possible.
“the players will practice at malvern college on wednesday and then hopefully on the middle wicket at rgs worcester on thursday if the weather relents.
“we then have a second eleven match on sunday at wrekin college which could feature some of the first team squad.
“we won’t be able to have the internal practice match at new road on monday-tuesday because of the flooding which is due to peak on friday.
“but we are hoping to be able to play a one-day match of red ball cricket against gloucestershire at bristol on monday.
“if we can get get out there on sunday and monday and play some good outdoor cricket, then all will not have been lost.
“there is very little you can do about the weather but we are trying to find alternatives in our schedule where possible.”
