Sir – I see that the Worcester News has already published a letter ‘Our county cricket club is in need of a complete sort-out’ (May 25) criticising Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

The poisoned chalice of the top division in the county championship was always going to be a struggle with such heavy reliance on bowlers in their mid-30s (who have brought a lot to the club and clearly work extremely hard), an inexperienced captain [Daryl Mitchell] and batting line-up.

And what misfortune for the skipper to be laid low by injury.

I feel that his bowling is a more important facet than many people realise, but he may feel nervous about bowling too much now.

Ideally, perhaps, the youngsters would have had a couple of seasons of blooding in the lower division.

This season will be a real test for David Leatherdale [chief executive], Stephen Rhodes [director of cricket], Daryl Mitchell and all of the team playing against the top players.

The best thing supporters can do in difficult times is to support the team, not moan and groan.

Even if things don’t improve significantly this season, we supporters need to encourage our young team. If we criticise, how will it help?

I don’t say we should pretend everything is rosy, but we supporters are more likely to make it so if we are positive and encouraging rather than undermining the team’s confidence.

Our loyalty and support is being tested this season and probably will continue to be so. I am sure we can rise to the challenge.

Simon Vaughan-Spencer
Malvern