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STEVE Rhodes has hit out at the use of Kolpak players following Worcestershire's games against Leicestershire and Somerset Sabres.

The New Road director of cricket is a strong opponent to the system and is extremely proud of the fact that his side does not contain any.

And Rhodes wants talented, young English players who are unable to break into their county's starting XI to look at the New Road side.

"We are proud that we only have one overseas player and no Kolpaks," he said.

"Look at Somerset for example, they have got Justin Langer as their official overseas player and then they have a number of Kolpaks taking the place of the young English guys.

"The message I want to send out to these talented, young English players who can't get a game because of the Kolpaks is look at Worcester. Come to Worcester as we play English guys."

Following their second weather-hit draw in LVCC Division Two at the weekend, Rhodes will not be calling for a change to the season's start date.

"You can't do anything about the weather, sometimes it works for you and sometimes it works against but we shouldn't change the start of the season," Rhodes said.

"It was frustrating that the last two games, which we have dominated, have been affected by the weather but we are playing good cricket and soon we will get the weather which will help us secure that win."

Rhodes said Graeme Hick is recovering well from the operation he had last week.

The veteran batsman could play against Loughborough UCCE at Kidderminster in a fortnight's time.

Rhodes added: "If Graeme is fit and feels that he needs a knock for a bit of practice, then he may well play against Loughborough.

"But that is the beautiful thing about having the operation now. There is a bit of extra time if he doesn't play at Kidderminster until a championship game."

8:30pm Sunday 27th April 2008

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