PEARS head coach Kevin Sharp has challenged squad members to put themselves in the frame for senior spot with eye-catching performances in the Second XI.
The Seconds were due to launch their Championship campaign yesterday against local rivals Warwickshire at the Portland Ground, the former M&B ground, in Birmingham.
Ross Whiteley and Adam Wiffen scored centuries last week for the seconds in the drawn encounter with Somerset Seconds at Taunton Vale.
Both are included in the squad for the clash with the Bears.
The top six in Worcestershire’s First XI have had to battle for runs on seamer-friendly pitches against Hampshire and Somerset respectively.
Sharp said: “Can people put their names in the hat? Of course. I know we are only two games in but you don’t rest on your laurels.
“We are under a little bit of pressure because we have lost two games.
“The top six haven’t made many runs so far and performances in the Second XI are what put people in the frame to play first-team cricket.
“The selection is not fait accompli at the minute. We will see how things go.”
Second XI coach Alex Gidman has included George Rhodes, who played in the opening two Specsavers County Championship matches, in the squad.
The county are also giving a trial to Warwickshire paceman Grant Thornton.
Twenty-five-year-old Thornton played two County Championship matches for Warwickshire last season against Somerset and Hampshire.