DARYL MITCHELL says Worcestershire need to bounce back quickly from their opening-game defeat when they take on Somerset.
The 34-year-old batsman stressed the importance of getting into the groove quickly as they adjust to life in the County Championship Division One.
There were positives to take from the defeat to Hampshire but the Pears need to remain positive when they take on Somerset at Taunton, starting tomorrow (Friday).
Mitchell showed his usual grit and determination at the Ageas Bowl in making 21 and 35 respectively.
With so much Championship cricket crammed into the first part of the campaign, Mitchell knows the importance of early successes.
“We won a couple of games last time we were in Division One when we came close to staying up and it’s all about trying to get those wins on the board early this year,” he said.
“There is a lot of Championship cricket crammed in April-May.
“Hopefully you gain a bit of momentum and carry it forward throughout the season.
“You can’t afford to have a bad six weeks because that’s probably five or six game – nearly half the season’s fixtures.”
One encouraging aspect of the game at the Ageas Bowl was claiming maximum bowling points and bowling Hampshire out twice, despite the frustration of late-order partnership in both innings.
“I certainly think the ability to take 20 wickets is key and it enables you to win games of cricket,” said Mitchell.
“We’ve certainly got a better attack than we ever had before in terms of the seam department.
“Seam bowling is an area where we have got plenty of depth and, whatever four we pick, we should be able to put teams under pressure and take 20 wickets.
“In terms of the batting, we’ve got a lot of bases covered as well.
“Travis Head will be a big injection into that middle order.
“We are well equipped but it’s a tough league.
“You saw Middlesex won it one year and got relegated the next.
“A big club like Warwickshire went down as well.
“It’s not going to be an easy task. There are eight very good teams.
“It’s all about performing to the best of our ability and if we can do that, I’m sure we will be competitive.”