Steve Rhodes has praised the impact made by Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin on Worcestershire during the last month at New Road.
Director Of Cricket Rhodes pulled off a masterstroke in bringing in all-rounder Ashwin for the finale to the season and it has acted as a major boost after a mid-season slump in the T20 Blast.
He has made major contributions with bat and ball and also been a positive influence in the dressing room.
Worcestershire have won all three games since Ashwin’s arrival and are within six points of securing a return to Division One via promotion in the Specsavers County Championship.
Rhodes said: “It was a massive surprise to the dressing room that we managed to get such a brilliant cricketer to come and be our overseas player.
“Just that alone is enough to lift the boys.
“His character, the way he plays his cricket, was another good reason for lifting the rest of the dressing room so he has played a major part.
“You watch him go out and bat and he is very positive. You watch him bowl and he is very positive in his efforts and what he tries to do.
“He speaks and talks a very good game but he should do because he is very experienced and has done some amazing things in international cricket.”
