Over one hundred men’s cricketers participated in Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s Open Trials at New Road on Sunday.
Players from as far as Scotland and Kent were put through their paces by Worcestershire’s group of elite coaches, who were also joined by several first-team squad players throughout the day.
More than 300 applied to participate, with the first final groups selected on a first-come, first-served basis. The standard across the three groups on the day was high, and Worcestershire will be looking to invite some of the players back for further opportunities across the winter and into next summer.
But a further open trials day is being planned for during the winter for others who applied.
In addition, Women’s Open Trials are also being scheduled for the close season.
Those selected for Sunday’s open trials took part in drill stations which included fielding, a batting challenge on a bowling machine, and a bowling challenge.
Former Worcestershire players Alexei Kervezee and Shaftab Khalid, plus Kevin Sharp and Elliot Wilson, were amongst the group of elite coaches.
First-team fast bowlers Dillon Pennington, Mitch Stanley, Adam Finch and Charlie Morris, alongside batter Kashif Ali, were also involved and happy to pass on their knowledge and advice.
It provided the players taking part with the opportunity to train for the day in a professional environment and out in the middle.
Kevin Sharp, Worcestershire Head of Coach and Player Development, said: “It’s great for the club and good for people of all backgrounds to have opportunities, and there is every chance you might find the next Jake Libby.
“It is been brilliant to welcome people to this club, it gives them a chance to see what it is all about, and we’ve seen a few very good cricketers.
