Alan Richardson stressed the importance of momentum in T20 cricket as Worcestershire Rapids reflected on a contrasting start to their Vitality Blast campaign compared to 12 months ago.
The Rapids lost their opening four games – all away from home – in 2022, but 12 months later, they proudly sit on top of the North Group table after winning the first four matches.
Head Coach Richardson was delighted to secure a win over Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge and to execute the plans of skipper Brett D’Oliveira.
He said: “We know Trent Bridge is a tough place to come and play. They are very proud of their T20 record, and so they should be.
“All Dolly asked before the start of play was to be really aggressive and have that intent, and I think the boys executed that brilliantly well.
“It is certainly a different start to 2022. Last year was a very tough start, we had four games on the road, and we weren’t anywhere near full strength.
“But it feels now that we are far closer to that, and it’s been nice to put a run of results together, and have a little bit of momentum.
“Having that clarity in roles does help massively, that we’ve kept the same side pretty much the whole time through.
“Momentum important? We’ve experienced both ends of that. In 2018 we definitely had momentum going one way, and last year we had it going the other way.
“When you have it, and it is in a positive direction, you want to keep hold of it as much as possible.”
D’Oliveira said: “Do you like coming to these big grounds and winning? Absolutely, that’s why you play the game. It always feels like you are a bit of an underdog, even though we are not at times.
“To come here and get one over on a county, who pride themselves on their T20 cricket, is really pleasing.”
