Worcestershire CCC newcomer Gareth Roderick believes he has joined a squad that can challenge for honours in all three formats during the 2021 campaign.
The 29-year-old feels the intense competition for places can only benefit the hunt for honours at New Road this summer.
And he is looking forward to again reaping the benefits of working with Head Coach Alex Gidman – a partnership that flourished when the pair were team-mates at Gloucestershire.
Roderick, speaking during Worcestershire’s latest online forum, said: “The guys were saying they feel we can compete in all three formats with the depth of the squad.
“I’ve been in dressing rooms where you have to pick what formats you want to give a go to because of your squad.
“I think this is a squad that can genuinely challenge on all three fronts.
“It is a strong squad, and hopefully, everyone’s performance will be lifted by that competition.
“Coming in here now and looking over your shoulder, if you don’t get a score for a couple of games…that helps you perform better as well, and it’s good for the squad as well.
“One of my goals this year is to try and play every game in the first team. Whether that happens, with how strong the squad is, remains to be seen. If I manage to stay on the park for the whole season, that means I’ve contributed in some way or another.”
Roderick did not take much convincing to move to New Road after discussions with Gidman and Club Chairman Fanos Hira.
He said: “I spent a good chunk of time at Gloucestershire and felt the last few years my career had stagnated a little bit and there was the fresh challenge of moving somewhere new.
“I’ve had a relationship with Alex since I came into county cricket, and we kept in contact after he left Gloucestershire.
“When I spoke to him and then came and spoke to Fanos and the guys, I got an idea of how things were run and what the plans were for the next few years. It was pretty exciting and not a tough decision for me to make in the end.
“In my career, Alex was someone I trusted speaking to about my game, someone who I enjoyed batting with, someone who kept me in check when I was a 21-year-old trying to play every shot in the book.
“He would rein me in and chat to me when we were out there, so I’ve always had a deep respect for him. I’m looking forward to working with him for the next few years.”
