Tuesday, August 13th, 2024

Jones looking forward to Old Trafford return with focus on helping Rapids into knockout stages

Worcestershire batter Rob Jones says he will “try and treat it like any other game” when he faces his former club Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford for the first time in tomorrow’s crucial Metro Bank One Day Cup group encounter.

Jones played senior cricket for Lancashire between 2016 and 2023 and in his first season became their youngest player to carry his bat in an innings for 81 years.

He moved to Visit Worcestershire New Road on a three year contract this summer after a successful loan spell and, although he will always have happy memories of his former county, his main focus is on helping the Rapids through to the knockout stages.

He said: “Sunday against Hampshire was probably the complete performance. Everyone contributed which was lovely.

“You couldn’t ask for anymore. Hampshire always put a good side out and that performance from us was right up there.

“Everyone knows their role which is crucial really.

“We’ve got ourselves in a strong position. If we get a win on Wednesday, that will make us really secure.”

Jones said: “It will be the first time I’ve played against Lancashire at Old Trafford. I didn’t play the T20 match up there and we haven’t got a four day game there this year, just the one at New Road at the end of the season.

“I’m really excited. It will be a bit strange and I was in the away dressing room for the T20.

“Actually playing against my old pals will be nice but I’ll just try and treat like any other game, not put too much expectation on it.

“The focus will be on helping Worcestershire to get through to the knockout stages.”

Jones has made several useful contributions to Worcestershire’s successful One Day Cup campaign.

He said: “The aim is to just keep contributing, no matter what the score is.”