Monday, March 2nd, 2020

ED: IMPORTANCE OF MOMENTUM AND CONSISTENCY IN RED BALL CRICKET

Ed Barnard says Worcestershire will be striving to establish early season momentum as they look to make an impact in red ball cricket this summer.

The all-rounder and his team-mates are determined to try and put the disappointments of the last two years in County Championship cricket behind them.

Barnard believes being able to perform on a consistent basis is key to hopes of success in the four-day format as Worcestershire gear up for two months of Championship cricket to launch the season.

He said: “Is it important to start with momentum? Definitely. Our red ball cricket has been disappointing for the past couple of years. We make no bones about it.

“But if we can hit that first game really hard and get off to a good start – and a lot of training this season has been red ball emphasis – you can get up a head of steam and hopefully be up there challenging come the end of the season.

“We are a good enough side to be a Division One side. There is no doubt about that.

“We just need to put in more consistent performances in – and put those performances in when it matters.

“If you start well, it sets you up before you go into the white ball cricket. We are a very strong white ball side and we want to continue that.”