Mitchell McClenaghan thanked the Worcestershire players and coaching staff for helping him to cope with the passing away of his father before assisting the county in gaining promotion to Division One of the LV = County Championship.
The New Zealand paceman learnt of the death of his father Dennis back home after the first day's play of the home clash with Surrey.
But McClenaghan completed the game and played an important role with bat and ball as Worcestershire's 27 run win sealed promotion.
He said: "It's been tough. Words can't really describe it to be honest. I love these boys here at Worcester.
"I feel like I've built a good bond with them and the management.
"The support they have given me the last two days has helped me to get through it and I thank them for that.
"I also thank all the Worcester supporters who have offered their support. I'm glad I could be part of a win that gets them promoted before I went away."
McClenaghan added: "My dad didn't want me to come home when he was unwell and that was the hardest thing.
"But I know there is no way he would stop me playing cricket. He was a champion bloke and one of the biggest fans of my game.
"I was getting through the game for him and I can't wait to get home and see my family and celebrate his life. I dedicate it (promotion) to my dad."
McClenaghan was full of praise for the performance of Jack Shantry who scored a century and picked up 10 wickets in the match.
He said: "It is one of the best individual performances I have seen in a game of cricket. Words can't describe how good it was."
The 28-year-old also insisted he relished his confrontations with Surrey paceman Jade Dernbach.
He said: "I love the battle, everytime I play Jade. There is no bad blood there or anything like that.
"It's just fun, we both play our cricket hard and we both love to win. I enjoy it everytime we play together."
