Kevin Sharp says the application and determination shown by George Rhodes since establishing himself in the Worcestershire promotion winning side are qualities to be encouraged in all players for the longer format of the game.
Rhodes has got his head down on more than one occasion when the situation has demanded in the County Championship during the second half of this summer.
The 23-year-old has featured in several crucial partnerships and last week ended the campaign on a high note with his second Championship half century of the season in the promotion-clinching win over Durham.
Although Rhodes admits himself he wants to kick on and build on promising starts by making centuries, his contribution has been important in the middle order but also when promoted to open on a difficult pitch in the key win over Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.
It should be remembered that he has still only played 14 first class matches and an average of 30 so early in his career represents a promising start.
Second Eleven-Batting Coach Sharp said: “George Rhodes is now establishing himself which is good to see.
“In today’s day and age with a lot of T20, and it quite a focal point of cricket, there are not as many players around who are what you call a bit more traditional.
“George is very capable of playing the T20 game.
“But he is also very capable of playing an opening batting role, as he has in the Seconds, or whatever role he has played in the first team with great determination, good skill and patience and concentration.
“Patience and concentration are things in today’s day and age we’ve got to kind of encourage.
“You want lads to be able to, yes play the short form of the game, but also have the skills available to play the long form.”
