HEAD Coach Alan Richardson says every member of the Worcestershire Rapids squad will have a key part to play in a Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign involving eight group matches in 19 days.
The Rapids overcame the absence of the Adam Finch (back) and keeper-batter Gareth Roderick (illness) to triumph over Durham at the Seat Unique Riverside on Tuesday.
With Adam Hose, Josh Tongue and Mitchell Stanley away playing in The Hundred, Richardson highlighted the importance of every player in coping with the demands of the next two and a half weeks.
The Rapids will launch their One-Day Cup home programme today (Friday) against LV=Insurance County Championship promotion rivals Glamorgan (11am start).
Richardson said: “The boys have been fantastic in and around the group. They know they can’t play every game, and we would be kidding ourselves if we think the same 11 are going to play all the way through.
“We are going to play eight games in 19 days. It’s going to be a squad effort. We are missing a few players through injury and a few are fortunate to go off and play in The Hundred.
“We have to look at guys coming in and making valuable contributions and an impact throughout and be ready to do that.
“We are all looking forward to the competition. It’s something a little bit different and just breaks up the season for us.”
Richardson announced a 15 strong squad – the 11 who played at Durham plus Roderick, Ed Pollock and the Academy pace duo of Harry Darley and Cameron Jones.
It will provide them with invaluable experience of being in and around the first team group and follows the example of two years ago when Ben Parker and Henry Cullen were involved with the squad for the whole One Day Cup programme.
Richardson said: “Harry is bowling well at the moment and Cameron has done nicely and has just come off being with the Super Fours so real good experience for them.
“It’s not the first time we’ve done this. We had Ben Parker and Henry Cullen as part of the group two years ago who were on rookie contracts from the Academy.
“It is always an opportunity in this competition, depending on availability and injuries, that you have the chance for those guys to come along.”
Finch (back) and fellow pace bowler Pat Brown (abdominal strain) are unavailable to face Glamorgan.
Richardson said: “Adam has had a precautionary scan just to see where he is at. He’s played a lot of cricket this year, probably more than he has done before.
“He’s got through a hell of a workload and played in multiple formats as well. We have to look after him, as we do with everyone else, and see where we get to with that.
“Pat got his abdominal strain at the back end of the T20 but hopefully he will be available soon.