Worcestershire opener Rehaan Edavalath was delighted that he could convert his positive recent starts into a score of real note on day two at Chester-le-Street against Durham, as the youngster made his way to a career best first-class score of 61.
With faith placed in him by Head Coach Alan Richardson, Edavalath came through a stern early examination from England seamer Matthew Potts, showing all of his class and temperament to occupy the crease for just shy of three hours in severely testing conditions.
Making his way to 61 from 123 balls, his superb salvo was only ended after a unfortunate mix up with skipper, Brett D’Oliveira, saw the opener cruelly run-out.
Not to be disheartened, the 21-year-old reflected on his partnership with fellow talent, Dan Lategan, with particular fondness.
“It felt very good, good to get out there, get some runs. I’ve felt under a little bit of pressure, but I’ve felt good recently with my game, so I’m in a good place and I knew I had confidence coming into this game and thankfully I got some runs.
“It was brilliant batting with Dan, I’ve batted with him a lot before as well. I know him really well and he showed a lot of real intent when he came out to bat, so it took a lot of pressure off me.
“Naturally I know my game and like to bat a lot of time, if someone is showing intent, especially a left hand, right hand combination. It makes it easier for me to go about my own business.
“Such a good feeling, I was so glad to get it and hopefully it’s the first of many.”
After setting the platform for his side, D’Oliveira and Gareth Roderick cashed in as their partnership of 170 took the Pears past 300 in a dominant afternoon in the middle.
The only blemish saw D’Oliveira fall late on for a superb 84, whilst Roderick remains unbeaten overnight on 95, with Worcestershire firmly in control of the contest, looking to bat on and build their score.
Enjoying the first team squad environment and particularly his spot at the top of the order, Edavalath says he has been picking the brains of the experienced members of the squad in his quest to settle into the first XI.
“I like opening, it is where I am most comfortable and I have done it my whole life so I want to do it. I speak a lot to Libs, we bat in similar ways so I like chatting to him and comparing and chatting about ideas and techniques – things like that.
“It is such a welcoming dressing room and a nice place to be around, having a new contract takes a bit of weight off but I want to show I am worthy of my place and work hard to keep improving.”
