WORCESTERSHIRE captain Vikram Solanki insists his team owe it to the fans to turn around their faltering season.

Bottom of the LV County Championship Division One table and out of the Friends Provident Trophy, Solanki's charges have endured a tough start to life in the top flight of English domestic cricket.

However, the England man is determined that the County will raise their game and also believes they can retain the place at four-day cricket's top table.

The team have been showing signs of a resurgence in recent outings and the skipper is keen to use this as a launchpad for the rest of the season.

He said: "We owe ourselves and the guys that follow us a little bit more than we've provided so far this year.

"There is still a gap at the bottom, but if we can string a few wins together - which we are capable of - and have some results go our way, you never know.

"If we play well and get rewarded for that then maybe we can put enough points together to make sure we stay up.

"We have had a good block of cricket and it's come about by no coincidence. It's come about by the fact we've worked particularly hard both individually and as a team.

"The guys have worked hard at their own individual disciplines and we had a real conscious effort in the last few games to pull together as a team.

"It was disappointing not to have secured a win against Surrey, but if we keep working hard, somewhere down the line we'll get the reward.

"There have not been major things to address, it has been a case of perhaps applying ourselves a little better in the mere basics of the game and being a bit more disciplined in all aspects - batting, bowling and fielding.

"We don't suddenly turn into a bad side over night.

"We can't start thinking that we've turned the corner - we need to play well throughout the season.

"Having played well in a couple of games is not enough. We need to do it consistently for the rest of the season.

"We can be happy with the way we've been playing and can be confident in our own games."

It has been no coincidence that Worcestershire's upturn in fortunes has mirrored Solanki's return to form.

The elegant right-handed shot-maker stroked three centuries in four innings as he played his way into form.

However, he admits that he never felt out of touch and was frustrated that the runs didn't come earlier in the season.

He added: "Form's a funny thing. As far as hitting the ball is concerned, I feel I have been playing reasonably well throughout the year.

"It was very disappointing not to get some scores at the start of the year, but it is nice to have done well recently.

"It's just three knocks though and I, personally, have got to keep working hard and make sure I contribute in some way towards the team."

Worcestershire played well enough to beat Surrey in the Championship, but were defied by a vigilant last-wicket stand between Mark Butcher and Matt Nicholson. That has been followed by impressive batting performances against Northants and Scotland.

Solanki said: "The Surrey result was difficult to take. We played well as a team against Northants and Scotland, but it has been tough work recently.

"The county season is difficult, but most of the guys have played the game for long enough to realise what is required."

Solanki has also backed new signing Dewald Nel to impress for the County.

He added: "He has fitted into the dressing room really well. He's enjoyed being there and the lads have enjoyed his company."