Club Captain Joe Leach is looking for Worcestershire CCC to build on the “complete performance” when they take on Durham in the LV=Insurance County Championship Group 1 match at New Road beginning on Thursday (11am start).
Worcestershire impressed with the bat, ball, and field when defeating visiting Derbyshire by an innings and 23 runs in just over three days.
The 23-point haul has put them back in contention to finish in the top two, and they are only 13 points behind leaders Essex with two games to play in the 10-match group.
Leach, who made the 100th first-class appearance of his career against Derbyshire, said: “Any team can beat anyone in this group, and we are going to have to be on it again come Thursday.
“It was a complete performance against Derbyshire, and I feel like it has been coming.
“The batting on day one was outstanding, the bowlers all backed each other, and the fielding was exceptional and some of the best catches I have seen.
“We’ve set ourselves up to play good, four-day cricket, we did in in the last game and have to aim to repeat that level of performance.
“This Group 1 is very nip and tuck. It’s a tough group, and Durham were better than us over the four days at their place.
“But they lost during this last round of games to highlight the open nature of the group where anyone can beat each other.
“We could finish first or fifth depending on these next two games, but the lads are in a confident mood, and it’s good to be in the mix.”
Leach is also delighted to see members back watching cricket at New Road.
He said: “It’s the same in any sport; the participants need the backing of their supporters. It means so much, and we feel the same about our members.
“There were limited numbers allowed, but they gave us great support, and the lads were so pleased to come up with a victory.
“It’s great to see some familiar faces, and we appreciate their backing and support and will try to deliver another good performance.”
