Match Details VS Bears
Vitality T20 Blast North Group: Worcestershire Rapids v Bears
Venue: Visit Worcestershire New Road
Date: Friday 11th July
Scheduled start time: 5:30pm
Worcestershire Rapids continue their race for quarter-final qualification on Friday evening, as they entertain the Bears in a mouthwatering T20 clash.
Currently in the bottom-half of the table as things stand, the Rapids must harness their winning momentum against their biggest rivals, as they look to avenge their one-wicket defeat last time out.
Last Time Out
Worcestershire Rapids came within one-wicket of a comeback for the ages, as they fell just short in a pulsating derby date with the Bears at Edgbaston that went down to the last-over.
Losing three wickets inside the first six overs damaged the visitors chances of posting an imposing score, with plenty of batters getting starts, but nobody kicking on in a total of 134 all-out.
On the backfoot from the outset in the field, the Rapids had Fateh Singh (3-18) to thank, as he inspired a mid-innings revival, with the away side taking four wickets for 15 runs in a chaotic three-over period.
As the game edged towards a thrilling climax, the Rapids headed into the final over of the contest defending three runs, which ultimately proved too big a task, as the Bears snatched a nail-biting one-wicket win.
Inside The Camp
“What more could you ask for?” Worcestershire vice-captain Adam Hose ready for Friday’s Blast showdown with the Bears
Friday evening has all the hallmarks of a T20 classic: a local derby, a packed out ground and T20 quarter-final qualification hanging in the balance.
Add into the equation that last time these sides met, only one-wicket separated them as the Bears pinched a thrilling last-over victory, Adam Hose says the Rapids are ready for a the big occasion.
“Every game against them is a massive occasion, this one won’t be any different. Yes, there are some extra bits and pieces around it, but we pushed them so close in the game at theirs and we have some form behind us, so there is nothing to say we can’t go one better this time.
“They are a very good side, stacked with quality in all departments, but like I say, with a home crowd behind us, we absolutely feel like we are right in the mix for the quarters.
“What more could you ask for I guess?! It is all set up pretty nicely if you ask me!”
Adam Hose is one of three current Rapid’s squad members preparing to face his former side, with teammates Ethan Brookes and youngster Isaac Mohammed in the same position.
All three players have been mainstays in the side across this campaign, with Hose, averaging 34 with the bat in this year’s competition, top-scoring with a sublime 95 away at Nottinghamshire Outlaws earlier in the campaign.
His excellent form continued through June and into the recent Rothesay County Championship match against Hampshire, where he scored a first-class high score of 266 from just 253 balls, in a record breaking innings.
The Rapids vice-captain says that is behind him now however, as is committed to carrying his form into the short-format, after missing Sunday’s game through illness.
“Of course, that knock against Hampshire is one that will stick with me for some time, and to be acknowledged for it with the PCA Player of the Month award was amazing, but ultimately, it is now time to kick-on this Friday when it really matters.
“It would be easy to say how difficult it can be switching between formats and travelling regularly, but in reality, that is part of the schedule and we have to get on with it.
“The lads have continued to work really hard and individually I have worked on a couple bits to make that transition as smooth as possible, so hopefully when I get out there on Friday night I can make a positive impact.
“Missing out on Sunday wasn’t ideal, but Kash and Rodders showed exactly what we can do as a batting unit when we get things right.”
With quarter-final qualification still up for grabs, the Rapids are mathematically in contention, but a win at home against their biggest rivals would go a long way in the race for the top-four.
Although not part of the Rapids squad that won the Blast seven years ago, Hose was adamant this group is doing everything they can to gain qualification and keep the dream of more T20 silverware alive.
“It is the biggest prize in white-ball cricket in this country, so of course we are doing everything we can to give ourselves a shot at getting near the trophy.
“Having said that, you don’t win titles by thinking about them. We have all our focus on this game against Birmingham Bears on Friday, that is it.
“With a packed crowd, a big atmosphere it is set to be a really memorable night – but we have to do our job within that, and that is sticking to our processes and trusting our skillsets, no matter how much we might be looking forward to it.”
The Opposition
Best Blast finish: Winners 2014
Captain: Alex Davies
One to watch: Dan Mousley
The Bears, like many sides, have struggled to harness any consistency throughout this season, with player availability restricted by involvements with England.
Nonetheless, the Bears find themselves well in the hunt for a quarter-final place with three games to play, with a side hungry for success and packed full of top quality players.
Having scraped past the Rapids in the side’s first meeting of the season at Edgbaston, the narrow one-wicket win served as a reminder of the capabilities of the Birmingham-based outfit to get the job done in the most high-pressure situations.
Dan Mousley, one of the Bears most potent all-rounders, has enjoyed a very successful season with both the bat and ball, exhibiting his short-format prowess by scoring over 250-runs and entering double-figures in the wicket column.
The spinner enjoyed a day to remember against the Rapids in the reverse fixture as he recorded figures of 4-19 from his four-overs, as the spinners collectively bowled with discipline and control to restrict Worcestershire to 134 all-out.
Squad vs Birmingham Bears
