Steve Rhodes admits Worcestershire's flying start to the campaign has exceeded expectations ahead of tomorrow's Specsavers County Championship clash with Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.
The County have won all three Championship matches – their best start to a season since 1988 – and were beaten just once in eight matches in the Royal London One-Day Cup group stages.
Rhodes has named a 12 strong squad for the Northants game with spinner Ben Twohig added to the 11 players victorious by an innings and 42 runs over Derbyshire at the 3aaa County Ground.
Director Of Cricket Rhodes said: "I think we've managed nine wins in 11 games and one tie so we are delighted.
"It is definitely a better start than we would have expected or dreamed of .
"The Championship wins have been really special. We've been quite powerful in winning in two days in most of the games.
"As far as maintaining that, how do we do that? We've got to keep working hard and keep those feet firmly on the ground.
"We've just got to make sure we keep them going. I'm delighted and as a coach it is the best start I've had."
Worcestershire edged out Northants in a low-scoring encounter at New Road which was over inside two days.
Rhodes said: "We know their side really well, We've played against the in the 50 over and the Championship and they know us well.
"It will be a keenly fought contested match as it was when they played here.
"Not one side got 200 in four innings here but it did make for a fantastic game of cricket and either team could have won that match.
"I don't think this will be a two-day fixture. The Northants wicket has generally got a little bit of carry and it comes onto the bat so we are expecting a tough four-day match."
Worcestershire (squad):
Mitchell
D'Oliveira
Fell
Clarke
Kohler-Cadmore
Cox
Barnard
Leach
Tongue
Shantry
Lyon
Twohig
