'STEP and fetch its' was how Ian Botham used to dismissively refer to spinners.

I don't think he would be quite so cavalier in attitude or approach if confronted with Warne, Saqlain or Muralitharan. Yet quality English spinners remain few and far between. Last year, Chris Schofield and Graeme Swann were part of the Academy in Australia while Giles and Dawson toured India and New Zealand. Now Gareth Batty has been selected in the initial squad of 20 for this year's academy.

Up until the Essex game, Batty's contribution had been limited to the odd wicket here and there as he offered variation to the pace bowlers. He has consistently come away with a wicket or two, though, suggesting one with that natural wicket-taking ability. He has a reputation as a genuine spinner of the ball, something which will have attracted Rod Marsh's attention. You won't take wickets at international level if you are just a roller.

You need also to be something of a confidence trickster. Warne epitomizes this, having that ability to make a batsman think that when he's hit you for four he's in fact escaped a cunning plot by the skin of his teeth. You do need to be resilient too, still ripping it, still throwing it up even when you are taking a battering.

As a batsman I was not as dismissive as 'Both' but I certainly took the attitude that a spinner couldn't get me out, this despite much evidence to the contrary. A spinner does need more help from the batsman in a dismissal than a quick and that's where the confidence and trickery come in.

Batty's first innings six-for against Essex put Worcestershire in a wonderful position which Anurag Singh's century consolidated. It's not just a magical milestone, the hundred mark, it's an indicator of match-winning potential. Only so many batsmen will get a start in an innings. If none of those go on to take full advantage the team suffers. It is no coincidence that Worcestershire's recent good form has coincided with a plethora of three figure scores.

What will have focused the minds of the specialist batsmen further in this last game will have been the omission of David Leatherdale to accommodate a second spinner. A harsh decision this on next year's beneficiary; he is victim of a strong squad and the excellence of others converting scores into hundreds.

The week ahead brings the fourth one-day encounter with Somerset this year.

It's three out of three so far but Trescothick has either not been playing or not fired yet. It's not quite so simple as get him out cheaply and win the game, especially if Caddick is fit, but Andy Bichel against Trescothick early on will be crucial.

Mind you, Somerset will have their own worries about certain Worcesteshire batsmen who have shown a liking for their excellent pitch!

Following the C&G Trophy come Northants at New Road where they will be a different proposition from at home.

They have been enjoying something of a resurgence in the last month, but their seamers should be outclassed at Worcester and if the pitch happens to spin, well, we have our own match-winner there too.