Tough task

Graduation to Division One was never likely to be straightforward but Worcestershire have been surprised by the quality of opposition they have faced on their first foray into the Championship's top flight. Three defeats in their first five matches have emphasised the size of the task facing last year's Division Two champions. "We knew that it would be a step up for the whole club but it's been tougher than expected," says Mark Newton, the chief executive. "As far as we're concerned, there is no doubt that First Division cricket is played at a higher intensity. We've managed to get ourselves in a good situation on a few occasions but teams have fought back and beaten us."

As well as the spectacular early-season defeat by Kent, who successfully chased 429, Worcestershire have wasted other promising positions since, notably against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. The local rivals had been reduced to 50 for four but rallied to make more than 400. "You have to show a greater degree of consistency at this level," Newton says.

There were signs that Worcestershire were beginning to fulfil their one-day potential, which the club's coaching staff have long believed to be considerable. "On our day we're as good as any other side," says Newton. "We really fancy our chances in the Twenty20 Cup this year. It's a difficult competition to predict but we had a few injuries last year and this time we should be hard to beat."

Moment of the month 417, the highest first-class partnership ever seen at New Road, forged by Graeme Hick and Ben Smith against Gloucestershire.