ALEXEI Kervezee is determined to challenge strongly to regain his Worcestershire first-team spot this summer.

Kervezee was the club’s second-highest run-scorer behind skipper Daryl Mitchell when they sealed promotion back to County Championship Division One in 2014.

But the former Holland international, 26, did not feature in any formats after the home Championship match with Durham in late May last season as Joe Clarke came in and made a big impact.

Kervezee, who has two years left on his New Road contract, said: “I am looking forward to next season.

“Last year was frustrating. I didn’t play a lot. Clarkey came in and has done well.

“But you’ve got to be positive. I went back into the second team and you always play for personal pride and try to do as well as you can.

“Whether it’s first team, second team, club cricket, all I want to do is score runs and do well. I went back to the seconds with that approach.

“I am determined to come back strongly and challenge this year. I can’t dwell on the past. I can’t do anything about that.

“All I can do is work hard now and hopefully get my chance again in all formats and show my worth again. More than that, I can’t do.

“I am quite confident and enjoying the challenge to try to get my spot back in all formats.

“All I can do is work hard and hopefully things look after themselves.

“There is a lot of competition and if you keep pushing each other to become better players it can only be good for the club.”

Kervezee is hoping his best years as a player are still ahead of him.

He said: “I’m only 26. I’m still young. I still think I’ve got a lot to offer.

“They say the late 20s and into your 30s is when you come into your prime.

“I still think my best years are ahead of me and I’ve got a long time left in the game.

“I’ve still got two years left of my contract and hopefully I’ll be scoring runs for this club for a lot longer.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I love the club and all the lads and coaches.”