Monday, April 16th, 2018

Sharp Gives Insight Into Opening Championship Encounter

Sharp Gives Insight Into Opening Championship Encounter

Worcestershire Head Coach gave his thoughts to BBC Hereford-Worcester at the conclusion of today’s Specsavers County Championship match with Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

Sharp said: “There is clearly a difference between the two divisions. In Division One the teams you generally play against are more experienced and very strong in depth.

“What we have to realise is, when we get an opportunity to get back into the game, is to recognise the key moments and really take them.

“Perhaps we haven’t done that as well this match – but we will do, so there will be lots of really good learning.

“The one thing I’ve been particularly pleased about are that there have been moments in this game when we looked as though it could have drifted away from us but we got back in it.

“Right from the first ball this morning, there was a chance that we could win the game. It’s not worked out that way but that’s cricket.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose by 196 runs. We obviously had a bad hour and got bowled out but they have showed a lot of fighting spirit.

“There is a very good team ethic within this group. They work so hard so all the preparation is first class and they will get their rewards for that as the season develops.”

Sharp added: “Is there enough pace in the attack? We’ve got experience on our side and Tonguey (Josh Tongue) is just coming back from an ankle injury as well so he is just finding his way.

“This is his first game. He’s only bowled a few overs at Taunton in a one-day match and when he hits his straps, he will bowl with that extra pace.

“We’ve got to remember as well that lads like Steve Magoffin have also not played a lot of cricket for a long time. He just needs some overs behind him and once he has got that, there will be more pace and we will threaten teams.”