Worcestershire Head Coach Alan Richardson has praised the massive impact made by Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira since his return to action for the finale of the season in the Vitality County Championship.
Richardson admits it was a “tough decision” not to play D’Oliveira during the Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign while he instead had extensive rehab on his troublesome shoulder.
But the all-rounder has shown his quality since his comeback into the team with scores of 97, 68, 51 and 76.
His efforts played a key role in the wins over Kent and Essex and the draw with Warwickshire which have moved Worcestershire 40 points clear of the bottom two with two games remaining.
Richardson said: “It was a real tough decision and was one that was thought about long and hard.
“It wasn’t an easy one but what I do know is that Brett has come into the side in red ball cricket and led the side in the way that we know he can, which is exceptionally.
“He has played some really good cricket, had a huge impact on all the games we’ve played and it is something he should be really proud of.
“I’ve watched him this year and how frustrated he has been. You don’t like watching people play in pain and he has done it frequently.
“But you would never really know. He has cracked on and done a really unbelievable job. I know he hates missing games of cricket, I know he loves playing for this club.
“I hope he is extremely proud of his efforts this year. He is the heartbeat of the dressing room and the team when we are out on the field.
“The contribution has been invaluable since he came back into the side.”
