We showed character and spirit - Richardson

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson says "character and spirit" earned them an an unlikely draw in their Championship opener away to Derbyshire. The home side posted 625-8 declared, with Worcestershire replying with 312 and then having to bat out the final day to end on 314-7 and secure 11 points. "An amazing effort, especially on the final day," Richardson told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Probably we haven't deserved the draw over the four days, certainly in the way we played our cricket, but the character and the spirit we've shown gave us the chance to get the draw. " "It's a good cricket wicket, but 625-8 really put us on the back foot. We couldn't set the fields we wanted.

"Derbyshire then bowled really well, playing really good cricket throughout. It was a challenge for us. Ideally, you don't play a large part behind the game but that's what we had to do".

Club-by-club guide to the 2026 County Championship South African opener Dan Lategan played two key innings for Worcestershire. The 19-year-old made 89, giving him a maiden first-class 50, and added 49 in the second innings. "I'm really pleased for Dan," added Richardson.