Kadeer Ali says his side is ready to step-up against Gloucestershire this Friday, only a few days on from a “sloppy” performance during Worcestershire’s loss to Middlesex.
After Monday’s final day defeat, a third in Division Two this summer for the Pears, Worcestershire’s Assistant Coach reflected on the performance with both the playing group and his fellow coaching staff.
After clawing their way into a positive position on the fourth morning, Worcestershire’s batters were spun out by Zafar Gohar, stifling their efforts to hold on for a draw.
According to Ali, the balance of application and intent is one he needs to get right if they are to produce their best display with the bat.
“I felt like we were sloppy throughout the game in all three departments, if I am honest, with the bat, the ball and in the field.
“Every day it felt like we had an opportunity to go past Middlesex, and it didn’t feel like we seized those moments, and those are the areas we are looking to improve on this week.
“There were moments, especially as a batting unit, where we could have been a lot smarter, absorbed a bit more pressure and stayed a bit calmer. There is always that light to come at the end of the tunnel.
“We needed a bit of old school graft, where you defend for your life and put value on your wicket and probably lacked a bit of application, which was the frustrating part.
“Sometimes you have to look after your mate in the middle, when he arrives, you take a bit of ownership as a set batter and get through that tough period.
“We know we weren’t good enough during that game, but if we can convert those partnerships with the bat into big ones, we aren’t far away.”