Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

Chairman Praises “magnificent Form” And Dreams Of Reaching Natwest T20 Blast Finals Day

Chairman Praises “magnificent Form” And Dreams Of Reaching Natwest T20 Blast Finals Day

Worcestershire chairman Martyn Price has hailed the "magnificent" form of the team during the first three months of the season – and revealed it is a "dream" of his to see the county qualify for NatWest T20 Blast finals day.

Price is in the final season of his eight year spell in charge at New Road.

He started his tenure by seeing Worcestershire lift the Pro40 League trophy in 2007 and would dearly like to end his time at the helm in a similar successful fashion.

Worcestershire are top of Division Two in the LV = County Championship and lying second in the T20 Blast North Group in which the top four qualify for the quarter-finals and the top two secure a money-spinning home tie.

Price said: "I am delighted with the start to the season. People were wondering where the wickets were going to come from early on when Richo (Alan Richardson) left us to go to Warwickshire as bowling coach.

"I think our lads have done incredibly well. Saeed Ajmal has been fantastic and tied up one end while the other bowlers have done the job at the other end.

"Jack Shantry has had a great season – and done quite well with the bat as well – and Charlie Morris has done well in his first full season and overall I'm delighted with what is happening at the club.

"Most of them are all youngsters and they all seem to be chipping in at one stage or another.

"Ben Cox has been fantastic this year. There is no doubt that his wicket-keeping has improved tremendously and obviously his batting has done well.

"Half-way through I'm delighted with the way things are going and Steve Rhodes (Director of Cricket) and Matt Mason (assistant coach and bowling coach) deserve huge credit."

Price admitted: "The T20 is something I really do want to win. I want to get to the finals day at Edgbaston and take 4,000 Worcestershire supporters there.

"If we could win that competition, that would be great. It would be a dream and the team have performed so well.

"To finish first or second in the qualifying group would be fantastic, because we would have a home tie and that could be worth upwards of £100,000 to us. It would be a great money spinner for the club.

"Overall I'm thrilled that we are doing so well and the icing on the cake is Moeen playing Test cricket because it means players in the Second Division can still play for England.

"That is important. I really feel quite strongly. There are some damn good players in the Second Division.

"Obviously the selectors will come along and see them. Who knows, Mitch (Daryl Mitchell) might get a cap by the end of the year."