Worcestershire's hopes of achieving promotion were left hanging by a
thread after rain and a stubborn eighth-wicket stand frustrated them
at New Road.
Only 14 overs were possible on the second day of their championship
match with Sussex, during which time the visitors' extended their
first innings by 34 runs without any further loss. Both Andrew Hodd
and Will Beer drove pleasingly in taking their unbeaten partnership to
77. Beer has already achieved his highest first-class score, while
Hodd passed 50 for just the second time in the championship season.
Realistically the hosts require a win from this match if they are to
gain promotion. They went into the game nine points behind
second-placed Glamorgan and, though Worcestershire picked up another
couple of points on the first day, the lack of play at Cardiff and New
Road has done them few favours.
If Worcestershire and Glamorgan finish
level on points, it is Glamorgan who will be promoted. Not only have
they currently won more games, they also won both matches between the
two sides.
Worcestershire retain some hope, however. Sussex, who are already
assured of promotion as Division Two champions, have expressed some
willingness to 'make a game of it' over the last couple of days. They
have nothing to lose and will be prepared to gamble in pursuit of
another victory.
They are not at full strength, either. Missing Ed Joyce, Michael
Yardy, Michael Thornely, Corey Collymore and Matt Prior, their
batting, in particular, appears brittle. If the weather relents,
Worcestershire may yet have a chance of snatching promotion.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Sussex confirmed the signing of Amjad Khan
on a three-year deal. The 29-year-old fast bowler, who represented
England in a Test only 18-months ago, was unable to agree terms with
his previous club, the cash-strapped Kent. Sussex have also submitted
a 28-day approach for Worcestershire's 26-year-old all-rounder Gareth
Andrew.
Worcestershire also hope to announce plans for the next stage of their
ground development imminently. It is understood that the club have
reached agreement with various partners to ensure that the £10 million
hotel development will begin at the New Road end of the ground within
weeks. The club, who will not be borrowing any money to finance the
scheme, hope that revenue generated from the development will
safeguard their financial future for years to come.
On a less positive note, it is understood that contract talks between
the club and Moeen Ali, the 23-year-old England Lions all-rounder,
have not gone well. Moeen is contracted until the end of 2011, but
Worcestershire had hoped to secure his services on a longer-term deal.