Head Coach Kevin Sharp was delighted with the benefits reaped from Worcestershire’s 11-day training camp in Abu Dhabi in preparation for the new season.
The County were able to undertake several days warm weather training and play three days of competitive cricket against a UAE X1 (1) and Cambridge University (2).
But Sharp was also delighted with the impact of new Head Bowling Coach Alan Richardson and new Second Eleven Coach Alex Gidman in their first chance to work outdoors with the squad.
Sharp said: “It was a fantastic trip, excellent cricket facilities. They are improving the facilities there all of the time, and we had first use of some new nets as well which was excellent.
“We had three days of match play which was a great introduction to the new season, one 50 over game and a two-dayer.
“The lads, the way they managed and conducted themselves and their work ethic and professionalism, was out of this world.
“We got a bit of everything done, some really good practice sessions in the nets and in the middle – red and white ball cricket – lots of fielding and the match play.
“We have tended to use this as more of a camp initially now rather than just play games of cricket all the time and to have three days at the end of the trip was just perfect.
“I don’t think we can be in a better place to start this campaign now.”
Sharp added: “Alan and Alex are so enthusiastic and have both taken it by the scruff of the net and both have got a very bright future.
“They are both smart lads and very knowledgeable, love the game of cricket, and I couldn’t be more happy about the way they have gone about their task.
“Alex was able to come on tour at just a few days notice. That was an absolute bonus to us and that allowed him to re-bed himself with some of the players he already knew and some of the lads he didn’t know as well.
“Absolutely delighted we were able to do that and I’m more than made up with the coaching team we have now. I think the future is very exciting in that respect.
“I would like to thank our tour manager Ryan D’Oliveira in ensuring everything went smoothly with all the sessions in Abu Dhabi and his own coaching career with us is developing nicely as well.”
