Ethan Brookes says Worcestershire Rapids are “right where we need to be” heading into a decisive final Vitality Blast group-stage clash at Visit Worcestershire New Road on Thursday, and believes the momentum from Sunday’s win over Leicestershire could prove crucial in the quarter-final chase.
Brookes produced a match-winning knock of 56 not out from just 28 balls, including five sixes, to guide the Rapids to a commanding six-wicket victory at New Road, a result that kept their qualification hopes alive and lifted spirits heading into the final round of North Group fixtures.
“We knew coming into this one we had to deliver, not just a performance, but a result,” said Brookes after the win.
“To come out and chase that total the way we did, especially in front of our own crowd, was really satisfying.”
The 23-year-old arrived at the crease with the Rapids wobbling slightly at 134/4, still needing 40 from the final five overs. But he showed calmness beyond his years, launching an assault on the Foxes’ bowlers that wrestled the game firmly back in Worcestershire’s favour.
“You try to keep it simple out there, stay calm, stay clear. Once a couple came out of the middle, I felt in a good rhythm and just backed myself.
“Henry [Cullen] was brilliant alongside me, we kept chatting between balls, kept the belief up. We were always confident if we batted sensibly, the boundary options would come.”
Brookes also credited the team’s bowling unit, particularly Tom Taylor, who ripped through the Foxes top order with a standout 3-for, for setting the tone earlier in the day.
“That was a huge spell from Tommy up front. He got us on top straight away, and it meant we never really let them off the hook.
To restrict them to 173 on a good deck was a great effort, and it gave us real belief that we could chase it.”
The Rapids will now face Notts Outlaws on Thursday night at Visit Worcestershire New Road, with quarter-final spots still up for grabs.
Brookes knows the job isn’t done, but believes the group is peaking at just the right time.
“It’s knockout cricket now, isn’t it? One game at a time, backs to the wall, and everything to play for.
“We’ve given ourselves a shot, and that’s all you can ask. We’ve worked hard as a group to be in this position.
“The lads are buzzing for Thursday, home crowd, big stakes. It doesn’t get better than that.”
