HEAD coach Kevin Sharp gave Alan Richardson and Alex Gidman a ringing endorsement ahead of the duo overseeing Worcestershire's Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.

Sharp watched the seconds in action against Durham yesterday (Thursday) while head bowling coach Richardson and seconds coach Gidman prepared the Rapids for tomorrow’s opening cup clash with Derbyshire Falcons (11am).

The boss will be back for the Falcons game but Richardson and Gidman will be at the helm for One-Day Cup trips to Yorkshire and Durham while Sharp takes charge of the seconds against Lancashire in a championship match at Barnt Green.

Sharp said: “I was always very conscious when taking this job that my title is head coach and it is overseeing all of the teams.

“The pinnacle is the first eleven but I’m very confident with the other coaches and they’ve been brilliant in running the first team.

“That allows me to get around a little bit to look at the seconds and even the academy and under-17s which will allow me to keep in touch with those guys as well and the coaches.”

“I want both Alan and Alex to be around first team cricket for the white ball stuff because they have recently played it.

“They are very good tactically and astute. Alex has captained a very good Gloucestershire side in white ball cricket and they are smart lads.

“I would want to utilise their skills throughout these competitions because they are highly respected by the boys and have got a lot to offer.

“I want to keep the different experiences going for the coaches. That keeps you fresh and it is good for the lads because they get to see all of the coaches.

“You get different experiences and I’m looking forward to spending three or four days with the second XI over the next couple of weeks."