Kevin Sharp has praised the steps forward made by Tom Kohler-Cadmore in developing from a promising young talent into someone who is "ready to play" as he strives to secure a regular first team spot.
Sharp has worked closely with Kohler-Cadmore in his dual capacity as Worcestershire batting coach and second eleven coach.
The former Malvern College pupil ended last season on a high with scores of 89 against Durham and 130 not out against Middlesex – a maiden first class hundred – after learning his trade during the previous two years since making his debut.
Sharp believes those experiences will stand Kohler-Cadmore in good stead for the 2016 campaign on his return from playing grade cricket in Australia this winter.
He said: "There are a number of young talented players here and with Pepsi, a couple of years ago when I came to the club, the talent was there, but the experience of playing at the highest level wasn't there.
"He was only making his debut that season and, when they come from schools and second eleven cricket into first class cricket, they are big jumps to make and you have to learn your trade.
"Tom, although we knew he was very talented, had things to learn. It is not just about playing cricket but learning how to play cricket.
"Tom needed to learn some tactical awareness and playing at the higher level against better players, simple as that, bowlers who were going to challenge him more with swing, seam and pace and clever spinners."
Sharp believes one innings in particular for the Seconds after a spell out of the senior side convinced him Kohler-Cadmore was making big strides forward.
He said: "Over the last two years he has been in and out of the first team but last season he played one innings in particular against Yorkshire Seconds at Barnt Green, against a very strong attack, and he made 150 and it was a magnificent innings.
"I know he was congratulated by the Yorkshire bowlers on that and it was pretty much like first class cricket for a while.
"There was a voice in my head which said 'he's getting ready now'. He played one or two others that were very special now and I said to Steve (Rhodes) 'the next time he gets a chance, he'll be ready to take it.'
"Of course, he got the opportunity towards the end of the season and made 80 odd at Durham and his maiden first class hundred (against Middlesex) and it was great to see."
Sharp added: "There is no pressing a button and you've got the answers to everything in this game.
"You have to learn your trade and that can take a bit of pain and heartache sometimes until you gain those experiences.
"Difficult experiences for any players are not bad things sometimes. Sometimes it's the way to learn best.
"Success is good and making runs is good but actually having a steep learning curve can also be very beneficial for the future development of a player.
"Tom is a lovely lad with a strong character – and he wants to learn. He is a good listener and wants to learn and it was fantastic to see that development and where he has got to now because he is ready to play."
