VICE-captain Joe Leach says Worcestershire have to cope with no longer being seen as underdogs when they try to make a quickfire return to LV= County Championship Division One next summer.

They were among the sides tipped to struggle in Division Two when last promoted to the top flight in 2014.

But it is a different scenario after the encouraging performances of last summer, despite relegation, and the bulk of the young squad all signing new long-term contracts.

Leach, the players’ player of the year, said: “It is going to be a unique position for us as a team. It is probably the first time people are going to expect us to do something.

“We need to prepare for it because I don’t think Division Two is going to be easy.

“Sides like Essex are rebuilding. They are a sleeping giant. Sussex are a very good team, they wouldn’t have been tipped to come down at the start of the season.

“Kent went on a good run last year. Leicestershire are going to be a good side. We must make sure we use this winter productively and get ourselves in the mindset of not being underdogs now and learn to cope with that.”