Worcestershire County Cricket Club CEO, Ashley Giles, has commended the “magnificent effort” of the entire squad, coaching staff, and support teams after the club confirmed its place in Division One of the Vitality County Championship for the 2025 season.
The points gained in the match at the Ageas Bowl, alongside Lancashire’s dropped points against Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford, ensured that Division One cricket will once again be on the fixture list at New Road next year.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Giles praised the collective spirit that has defined the club throughout the season, acknowledging the contributions of every player, from the experienced senior members to the younger talents stepping up when called upon.
“We’ve had a season filled with challenges, and the effort from everyone involved has been nothing short of magnificent. This is also a great tribute to Josh Baker, who’s been at the forefront of everyone’s minds all season” Giles said.
“Our senior players led by example, and our younger players have shown tremendous growth. It’s a real testament to the culture and resilience we’ve built here at Worcestershire.”
“The squad’s ability to adapt and thrive has been truly commendable,” Giles continued.
“The leadership from our senior players has been crucial, and the younger members of the team have risen to the occasion in ways that have made a real impact on the field. It was a true team effort, and that’s what makes this success even more special.”
Giles also applauded the dedication and professionalism of the coaching staff and support teams, whose hard work ensured the players were consistently ready to perform at their best.
“Our coaches and support staff have been phenomenal,” said Giles. “Their commitment to keeping the team prepared and focused has played a vital role in our success. This achievement belongs to everyone at the club.”
Looking ahead, Giles expressed his pride in the club’s journey and optimism for the future, confident that the team will continue to grow and build on this season’s accomplishments.
“To secure Division One cricket again is a huge achievement, and I’m proud of everyone who has contributed to this success. It wasn’t just about a few standout players—it was a full team effort. From the senior players to the youngsters, everyone played their part in making this possible.”
“We’ve been working towards building something special here, and I’m confident this is just the beginning for this group. The passion, hard work, and resilience shown throughout the season will be the key to our future success, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together moving forward.”
Worcestershire have secured back-to-back seasons in Division One of the Vitality County Championship, marking only the second time they have achieved this since the competition was divided into two tiers in 2000.
The club has been promoted to the top tier on seven occasions: 2003, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2023.
The last time they successfully retained their Division One status was following their promotion in the 2010 campaign.
Head Coach Alan Richardson played a key role that season with 55 wickets, supported by Shakib Al Hasan’s 35 wickets in just eight matches, while Moeen Ali, Alexei Kervezee, and Daryl Mitchell all scored over 1,000 runs.
Worcestershire utilised four overseas players during that Division One campaign—Kemar Roach, Shakib Al Hasan, Damien Wright, and Saeed Ajmal. Once again, Richardson was the standout bowler, claiming 73 wickets—the highest tally in Division One that summer—and earning a place as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year.
Vikram Solanki led the way with the bat, scoring 1,148 runs at an average of 42.51, with three centuries and six half-centuries.
Worcestershire finished seventh in the nine-team Division One table that year, winning four of their 16 matches and collecting 142 points.
This season, Worcestershire surpassed that points total with 147 from just 12 matches, even before their ongoing encounter with Hampshire.
