Jake Libby believes special talent Kashif Ali has the potential to be a key member of the Worcestershire side for years to come.
Libby, the Rapids official captain for the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, has been impressed with the progress made by Kashif since linking up with Worcestershire last summer.
He was the first member of the South Asia Cricket Association to sign a professional contract with a first-class county.
Kashif amassed a mountain of runs for the Seconds last season, earned a spot in the first team and scored a century on his List A debut against Kent.
A broken thumb curtailed his promising campaign but he has returned to fitness this summer and demonstrated his ability in the One-Day Cup win over Durham when hitting 76.
It followed on from an unbeaten 136 for the Seconds in the Championship win over Glamorgan at New Road.
Now Kashif is aiming for more success in tomorrow’s One-Day Cup meeting with Glamorgan at New Road.
Libby said: “Kashif did ever so well last year. That 100 against Kent was special. It was a tough surface, we lost a few wickets, and he played exceptionally well.
“He injured his thumb the back end of last year which was a shame because he was batting really well.
“But he has come back and got runs for the Seconds, has got back in the team and he is going to be great in that middle order for us to add that little bit of fire-power.
“Kashif is someone who can go though the gears and he is a really good player and going to be an integral part of our side, not only in the 50 over competition but for years to come.
“He is a natural timer of the ball, he hits it so hard, I’m excited to see how he develops this year.
“We fully back him and hopefully he can have a really good competition and he started well at Durham. We know what a special talent he is.
“It’s great that so many players are coming through the SACA programme and doing really well and Kashif is one of those.”
