surrey director of cricket alec stewart has heaped praise on worcestershire for also putting the accent on producing and giving home grown players the chance to flourish.
sixteen players developed by either county – nine by worcestershire and seven by surrey – were included in the two teams for the specsavers county championship clash at New Road.
surrey eventually earned a three wicket win after a tense final afternoon to seal the title.
worcestershire are battling hard to stay in the top flight and former england legend stewart has nothing but admiration for their philosophy.
he said: “it is important to have a nucleus of home grown players and that’s why worcestershire, i really hope they stay up.
“i think they have also shown if you produce your own, you fight together.
“they didn’t look a bottom of the table team in this game and they pushed us hard at the oval as well.
“if you can get your own players, who have come through the system, understand what the club is about, and grow up wanting to play for the club, they can find that little bit more when the going gets tough.
“also when you win something, it means that little bit more.”