Rhodes sees chance for youngsters

Steve Rhodes says Graeme Hick will be sorely missed but others can fill his void

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes believes Worcestershire’s youngsters can fill the void left by prolific batsman Graeme Hick’s retirement at the end of last season.

Hick ended his 25-year career with the county at the end of last season but Rhodes has faith in the likes of former Warwickshire batsman Moeen Ali and young all-rounder Alexei Kervezee to help plug the gap left by the 42-year-old.

Rhodes said: “Hicky was a wonderful servant to Worcestershire and I have been privileged to play in the same team as Graeme for many years.

“He will be missed without a doubt in terms of his experience, his ability to catch anything at second slip, as well as his run-scoring ability.

“But make no mistake, the club goes on and the door will shut for Graeme but will open for others.

“Moeen Ali may now get a good opportunity to cement a place in the first team and Alexei Kervezee is knocking on the door.

“There might be a lot of people out there thinking it is the end of an era, that it is all doom and gloom.

“Yes, Graeme had 25 wonderful years at Worcester but it is a new chapter now and we all move on with the young guns

“I couldn’t have asked for a better squad for 2009.”