STEVE Rhodes is backing Vikram Solanki to emerge as a "great" Worcestershire captain.

Solanki endured a testing first summer as skipper, overseeing the County's totesport League relegation and failure to clinch promotion in the Frizzell Championship.

The England one-day star also struggled for personal form at New Road, going 12 Championship matches without a century and posting less then 500 runs in the one-day league.

A stubborn character, Solanki is determined to learn from his experiences and director of cricket Rhodes has faith in the 29-year-old.

"Vikram learned a lot this year," said Rhodes. "He's definitely got the right attributes to be a great captain.

"It was a difficult first season for him. There were a lot of awkward situations to contend with, but he learnt many things. It's called experience at the end of the day. Next year, he will come across the same experiences."

Solanki joins up with the England squad in Pakistan later this month ahead of the first one-day international in Lahore.