Positives out of County’s defeat

Having eked out a narrow first-innings lead, their LV= County Championship opener against Yorkshire at New Road was nicely poised.

Then it all went wrong. Steven Patterson and Jack Brooks tore through the County batting line-up, skittling them for just 100, allowing the Tykes to wrap-up a comfortable 10-wicket success.

Worcestershire had gone from having a genuine chance of success in the Division One contest to defeat in a single session.

A stark reminder, if ever they needed one, of the harsh realities of life at the sharp end of English cricket.

The County losing inside three days at headquarters is something that has happened before but defeat coming so swiftly this time might have taken a few by surprise.

But before the soothsayer’s start claiming the end is nigh for Worcestershire’s chances in 2015, there are plenty of positives for Steve Rhodes’ side.

Defending champions Yorkshire might have been depleted due to England commitments but they still have one of the most formidable attacks in the business and it was Brooks, Patterson and Tim Bresnan who did the damage in the second innings.

Prior to that, Worcestershire had more the acquitted themselves admirably against that same set of seamers.

Rising star Tom Fell made a fine century of 114 off 196 balls, while Moeen Ali made 62 and Gareth Andrew 59 as the hosts made 311.

The County then proved they have a strong attack themselves, with Andrew and Jack Shantry taking five and four wickets respectively.

Yorkshire may have a few key batsmen on England duty in the Caribbean but the sight of Andrew finding his range following a long injury lay-off and Shantry continuing his fine winter form will be pleasing for Rhodes and his coaching staff. As will the efforts of young Fell with the bat.

Newly-promoted Worcestershire were taught a harsh lesson in this match but they knew more than anyone that life in the top-flight wouldn’t be easy.

No doubt they will learn from this chastening experience.