WORCESTERSHIRE launch their Second XI Championship campaign tomorrow with a three-day clash against local rivals Warwickshire at Royal Grammar School Worcester (11am).

Coach Kevin Sharp’s side made big strides forward last season in climbing four places in the North Group to finish fourth.

They beat Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire on the way.

All-rounder George Rhodes will skipper the seconds who boast a strong-looking batting line-up.

But Sharp said: “Squads change in the second XI. You can have a number of experienced players one week and the next it could be a relatively inexperienced team.

“That is the nature of it. I know looking at the fixtures, particularly early season, there are a few days when the second team are playing when the firsts are not.

“If there is anyone who needs a bit of form or needs that extra game or so then the opportunities will be there for them to play second XI cricket if necessary.”

Worcestershire: Rhodes, Westbury, Kervezee, Hepburn, Whiteley, Dell, Malik, Twohig, Dodd, Brown, Finch.