George Rhodes says he is reaping the benefits as a bowler from being able to pick the brains of three of international cricket’s leading spinners at New Road this summer.
The Worcestershire all-rounder has made a big impact with the bat in recent games in the County’s push for promotion in the Specsavers County Championship, scoring vital runs and featuring in crucial partnerships.
But Rhodes feels he is also gaining from working alongside Australian star Nathan Lyon, New Zealand ace Mitchell Santner and now Indian magician Ravichandran Ashwin.
Rhodes, who earlier this week signed a new two year contract, said: “He (Ashwin) is fantastic to have around. He is one of the best, if not the best Test spinner in the world so to be working so closely with him is just absolutely fantastic.
“Just to see how he trains, how he works and how his mindset is, how to get players out and things like that.
“I am trying to pick up things while he is here and I try to take a lot from all of them, from Nathan and Mitch as well.
“Obviously they operate in slightly different ways but at the end of the day they are all very successful at the best standard of cricket you can get.
“It is good to pick up things that are relevant to your game especially from players of that calibre.”
Rhodes added: “Is my bowling developing? I feel it is. I feel in a much better place and am more confident.
“It is no secret having Nathan Lyon here, Sants and now Ashwin is helping me as a bowler, and improving.
“That’s ultimately where I want to set my heights, be a very successful bowler who takes wickets.
“We are getting there, it is learning curve, and hopefully I’ll just keep on improving and keep contributing.”
