2013 county cricket season preview: Worcestershire

Alan Richardson will once again shoulder the wicket-taking burden for Worcestershire Credit: David Davies/PA Wire

LAST SEASON:

  • 9th (County Championship Division One)

  • 7th in Group A (Clydesdale Bank 40)

  • Quarter-finals (Friends Life T20)

TRANSFERS:

  • IN: Graeme Cessford (Royal Air Force) Michael Johnson

  • OUT: Vikram Solanki (Surrey), James Cameron (retired), Ben Scott (released), Jack Manuel (released)

  • OVERSEAS: Thilan Samaraweera, Jacob Oram (T20)

CAPTAIN:

Daryl Mitchell

STAR PLAYER:

Alan Richardson

YOUNG PLAYER TO WATCH:

Alexei Kervezee

ODDS TO WIN:

  • 6/1 (County Championship)

  • 33/1 (Yorkshire Bank 40)

  • 33/1 (Friends Life T20)

With just one win in the County Championship last season, Worcestershire put up little fight as they dropped to the second rung of cricket with just one win to their name.

As with many sides who face relegation, Worcestershire have decided to bring in a minimal number of players and concentrate in youth.

High hopes are expected of the likes of Matthew Pardoe and the latest in the D'Oliveira conveyor belt, Brett, and it is hoped many of them will become established first team players.

They also still have a few experienced heads and will look to Alan Richardson, 500 first class wickets, to spearhead their attack. But at the age of 37, he is going to need some help.

Thilan Samaraweera boasts an excellent Test record and could prove crucial in the middle order in providing a solid presence amongst their talented youngsters as they push for promotion once again.