Tom Fell says it is up to Worcestershire's players "to go out and prove we are good enough" whatever predictions the bookmakers might make about their chances this summer.
The County have been installed as one of the favourites to make an instant return to Division One of the County Championship after just failing to retain their top flight status.
It is in contrast to two years ago when Worcestershire were one of the favourites to finish bottom of Division Two – and ended up being promoted.
Their final 2015 points tally of 151 would have been good enough to stay up in seven of the past 10 seasons.
Fell, currently playing grade cricket for Mount Lawley in Australia, said: "I think we were odds on with the bookmakers for the wooden spoon last time we went up.
"That shows the fight and spirit that we've got to prove these people wrong.
"Hopefully this year we are going to be favourites to go up because we proved we are a very strong side.
"Despite what they say and predict, we still have to go out and perform and prove we are good enough.
"It is about performing."
Fell added: "Obviously we are really disappointed we are not going to be in Division One where I think we belong.
"Hopefully we can get there again.
"Division One was a great experience, playing against some of the sides that we did. It is going to stand us in good stead for Division Two."