VICE-captain Joe Leach says Worcestershire have to cope with no longer being seen as underdogs when they try to make a quickfire return to LV= County Championship Division One next summer.
They were among the sides tipped to struggle in Division Two when last promoted to the top flight in 2014.
But it is a different scenario after the encouraging performances of last summer, despite relegation, and the bulk of the young squad all signing new long-term contracts.
Leach, the players’ player of the year, said: “It is going to be a unique position for us as a team. It is probably the first time people are going to expect us to do something.
“We need to prepare for it because I don’t think Division Two is going to be easy.
“Sides like Essex are rebuilding. They are a sleeping giant. Sussex are a very good team, they wouldn’t have been tipped to come down at the start of the season.
“Kent went on a good run last year. Leicestershire are going to be a good side. We must make sure we use this winter productively and get ourselves in the mindset of not being underdogs now and learn to cope with that.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here