Friday, January 17th, 2025

CAPTAIN: FIT AND FIRING TAYLOR CAN “REALLY AFFECT OUR SEASON”

Worcestershire Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira believes all-rounder Tom Taylor “can really affect our season” if he remains fit and available for the bulk of the 2025 campaign.

Taylor made a big contribution during his first season at Visit Worcestershire New Road after recovering from knee and shoulder setbacks unfortunately suffered in a fielding collision during an early season Seconds match at Kidderminster.

He impressed as a key member of the attack in the County Championship, finishing as joint leading wicket-taker with 27 scalps from his six appearances, including a career best 6-27 versus local rivals Warwickshire.

Taylor also was the Rapids top wicket-taker with 17 in the Vitality Blast and scored vital runs in the run to the Metro Bank One Day quarter-finals with 224 at an average of 44.80.

D’Oliveira is optimistic Taylor can make even more of a mark next summer if out in the middle for even longer periods.

He said: “When Richo and the guys were looking to recruit, Tommy was one of those guys they pinpointed who could affect the game in all formats and he has proved, certainly towards the back end of the season, that he has got the capability to do that.

“He is obviously an exciting player and we haven’t quite seen the best of him with the bat yet. I think he has got a lot more potential than he has shown at the moment.

“I’m excited for that, excited for the future. I think he has taken on the role of leading the attack at times really well. It is something he relishes.

“He is an exciting player for us and if he stays fit, he can really affect our season.”

Taylor is spending the next two months playing grade cricket in Australia and scored 98 on his debut for Altona North in a Victoria Turf Association first grade fixture last weekend.