the only previous time kevin sharp experienced t20 finals day was in the role of a radio pundit six years ago.
now he will return as head coach of worcestershire rapids for the vitality blast at edgbaston tomorrow.
sharp admits it would be a “special moment” – not just for himself but also the club – if he were to lift his first trophy as a coach.
he said: “it will be a wonderful occasion for everybody. i’ve been to one (finals day) the year after i left yorkshire as a coach.
“it was at cardiff (in 2012). i went as a radio commentator for radio yorkshire.
“it was a brilliant day out, an electric atmosphere. yorkshire got to the final and lost (by 10 runs) to hampshire.
“to go back as a coach…..i’ve never experienced winning a trophy. i’d dearly love to do that at some point.
“if someone like that could happen for me, and the club, to be part of that, it would be a special moment.”
sharp is confident the rapids will do themselves justice when appearing at finals day for the first time.
the rapids will tackle lancashire lightning in the first semi-final at edgbaston tomorrow (11am).
sussex sharks will take on somerset in the second semi-final at 2.30pm with the final getting underway at 6.45pm.
sharp says all four counties are capable of lifting the trophy but, whatever the outcome, believes the rapids will realise their potential.
he said: “it’s great for the club that we’ve qualified for finals day for the first time. it is something very special to look forward to.
“i think we can go there quite relaxed and full of confidence and belief and i’m pretty sure, whatever happens, we will give a good account of ourselves.
“at the end of the day, anyone of those four good teams can win it.
“they are all good teams and you do your best and if things work their way for you, then it will happen.”
the rapids defeated gloucestershire in the quarter-finals in a tight encounter at New Road.
sharp said: “i can’t say it was particularly enjoyable – until the game was over!
“when you’ve got such a close encounter, and you are so near to qualifying for a finals day, it is a bit tense. i did my best not to show it.
“i enjoyed the evening, had a couple of beers to celebrate – as you should. everyone, as a coach or a player, you give it your best shot, you do what you can. we are there.”
sharp and the remainder of the coaching staff have had to develop a plan which has enabled the rapids to practice their white ball skills alongside three weeks of specsavers county championship action.
he said: “we’ve had three weeks of champo games and had to work out when to practice for the finals day.
“it’s been a challenge but i’d rather have that challenge and myself and my coaching team put together a plan right up to finals day.
“there has been a lot of cricket. we know what we’ve got in the locker as far as t20 is concerned and we’ve aimed to get the balance right in terms of preparation for it.
“we will go out there and have a good day.”
