head coach kevin sharp says worcestershire paceman charlie morris’s return to the first team squad is testament to his character and work ethic after having to remodel his action.
morris has been named in the 12 or 13 for every specsavers county championship game to date – including tomorrow’s clash with surrey at the kia oval.
he played his first senior game for 19 months in the encounter with nottinghamshire at New Road in place of the injured steve magoffin.
morris played a major role in his first full season in helping the county to promotion in 2014 with 52 wickets and he picked up another 44 in division one the following year.
now sharp says morris is again showing his quality after two challenging years.
he said: “charlie has worked so hard and he has had a difficult couple of years but he is bouncing back now and he is returning to being a real quality first class bowler again.
“he bowled very tidily against nottinghamshire – and i’m sure a wicket or two won’t be very far away.
“he has got great strength of character, is a smashing bloke and his work ethic is exceptional.
“he’s getting some rewards now for all the hard work he has put in and it’s great to see.”
worcestershire will be seeking their first victory of the new campaign at the oval after an opening batch of matches where ball has dominated bat.
sharp said: “it’s been a challenge for all batsman. if you look at the scores around the country, there’s been low scores and games over in a couple of days.
“this match against notts was particularly disappointing because were really outplayed in that one. the two games previously we really did compete although we lost. we were in the game to the final day.
“but it’s cricket, it’s sport. it’s not through lack of effort. the lads prepare well and the top six have not had a lot of time at the crease.
“conditions have been unusual for this time of the year. we know it can be a bit cold and a bit damp in april but, with all the rain throughout the country for the last month or so, it has made conditions more difficult for batsmen.
“around the country, odd individuals have made runs – but a lot haven’t.”
sharp has faith in the worcestershire squad to reverse their fortunes.
he said: “in sport you win, lose and draw. you have to keep on an even keel with it and not get too high when you win and not too low when you don’t.
“i’ve got a lot of faith in these lads and i’m sure they will turn the corner and play some very good cricket and win some games.
“the oval is an historic test ground. it doesn’t get any better than that. it’s a long time since i’ve been there but i’m really looking forward to that challenge.
“i’m guessing the pitch won’t have as much lateral movement as some of the surfaces we have seen.
“they are another very good side and we will look forward to that challenge and playing well.”
magoffin is added to the squad after regaining his fitness with george rhodes, who has played in the opening three championship matches, not named in the 12 who will be travelling to london.
worcestershire (from):
mitchell
d’oliveira
fell
clarke
head
cox (w)
barnard
leach ©
tongue
morris
magoffin
twohig
