WORCESTERSHIRE are to play five of their front-line batsmen in Tuesday's Second XI Trophy clash with Warwickshire at Blackfinch New Road.

Head coach Kevin Sharp hopes the 50-over fixture will help players in their bid to help regain form and confidence ahead of Friday’s County Championship Division One encounter at Surrey.

Daryl Mitchell, Joe Clarke, Tom Fell, Brett D’Oliveira and George Rhodes are all included from the side thrashed by Nottinghamshire at Blackfinch New Road.

The seamer-friendly pitches after wet weather have proved challenging for batsmen all around the country in the three rounds of Championship matches to date.

Sharp said: “We are going to do everything we can to prepare for Friday.

“I think we can all accept this last three weeks has been difficult for batting in general. When you look at the scores around the country, teams are getting bowled out.

“Yes, there have been odd individuals who have made runs but generally there have been a lot of lads who have struggled and I think that is pretty understandable and down to the weather we have had.

“The pitches are moist and they are green but we have still lost three matches and the opposition have been that much better than us.

“The lads have to take it on the chin for now but get better.”

Sharp continued: “As a batter, if you’ve spent hardly any time at the crease for three weeks and you’ve had six low-ish scores, you are bound to lack a bit of confidence.

“That is human nature. It’s their job and if you are not doing well at your job, no matter what it is, you would be at times a bit unsure of yourself.

“But that’s the game. It has always been like that and it will be a test of character for them to come through.

“The only thing that will breed confidence is to spend some time in the middle.

“That’s why we want the lads to play on Tuesday and because it’s a white-ball game they will get a bit more freedom to play some shots.

“I’m hoping two or three of them will spend some time at the crease and get that confidence we need for Friday.”

Fell made a determined 37 in Worcestershire’s second innings against Notts and is one of several players so far this season not to have capitalised after becoming established at the crease.

Sharp added: “Tom has had a difficult year or two, we know that, and he is definitely on his way back now.

“He will actually be quite disappointed, as two or three of the batters are, who have made 30s and 40s.

“Sometimes batters will get knocked over early against a newer ball and it is very important when you have got guys who have got in, making 30,40,50, that they go on and make 80, 90, 100 runs.

“That makes a difference between making a team score of 150 and 250-300.”