Batter Adam Hose is showing ‘real desire’ to make his mark in red-ball cricket after being included in the Worcestershire squad for the opening LV=Insurance County Championship match with Derbyshire at the Incora County Ground.
Hose, who signed a three-year contract with Worcestershire, has demonstrated his quality in white ball cricket in the Vitality Blast and around the world in different tournaments.
But he is in contention to make his Worcestershire debut with his first appearance in first class cricket since September 2019 when playing for Warwickshire against Somerset at Edgbaston.
Worcestershire Head Coach, Alan Richardson, said: “One of the reasons Adam joined us was because he felt he has real ability in red ball cricket, and he wants to display that and felt we might be the place to show that.
“He has shown real desire to push his way into our red ball squad and into our red ball side so we will see how that sits and he is certainly in this first squad. It’s really exciting and he has trained really well since he’s been back with us.
“He looks in good form and played well at Edgbaston last week. He obviously hits the ball really hard, and he looks to impose himself on the bowlers, and it’s really nice to have someone like that in your squad.
“It will be exciting times if Adam hopefully makes his debut for us.”
Richardson believes it is important for everyone to make a contribution in as many skill sets as possible.
He said: “We have obviously got some strong individuals in that batting line-up but also we pride ourselves on scoring runs down the order, guys being able to bat time and play for the team which is really important, and make those valuable contributions in whatever skill we are performing
“If we are in the field, we expect all the guys who don’t bowl to add to our fielding performance, and likewise, when we are batting we want all 11 players keen and eager to make a contribution.
“We do place a huge importance on that, and they practice really hard and diligently so hopefully whatever side we pick we will be looking at all 11 to make some really vital contributions in whatever skill set they are doing.
“We should always be looking to put in match-winning performances or certainly performances that help to put us in a position whether that be a run out or a stunning catch from one of the batters or a crucial 20 not out at the end from one of the bowlers.”
Spinner Josh Baker is included in the squad for the first time since recovering from a stress reaction to the lower back, and Richardson says they will assess the wicket at Derby before announcing their side.
He said: “Derby tends to have good pace and bounce which everyone thinks helps the seamers, which it does, but it’s good for spinners as well.
“Josh has height and gets bounce so that can add to it so we need until we wait until we get there and have a good look. I know they’ve had a lot of rain like everyone so we will assess the conditions closer to the time.
“But it is really important for us to have a balanced attack in our squad as we can and Josh certainly gives us that.”
Richardson is expecting a competitive Division Two in the battle to try and gain promotion to the top flight.
He said: “Everyone has aspirations at the start of the season. Everyone wants to get promotion from Division Two, and everyone wants to win the Championship in Division One.
“That’s what makes it a really good competition and always makes it competitive which is what we really want, and it will help all the groups evolve, but we are watching our guys, and we hope they continue to improve.”
Pace bowler Dillon Pennington has been ruled out of the opening game with a “niggle” as a precautionary measure with a busy six-month season ahead.
Richardson said: “Dillon has got a little niggle, and it would be just too much of a risk at this stage of the season. If it was the last game of the season we’d probably crack on with things.
“But, as it’s the first game, I think we’d probably be taking an unnessesary risk, which, at this time of the season, is not the right thing to do.
“He’s really disappointed, but there is still a huge amount of time left in the season, and we’re sure he’ll make his mark.”
