By Ben Smith Worcestershire batsman

People have talked about the jump to First Division cricket for us and there is a difference, but it's still about hitting the ball, bowling with it and catching it

It's been frustrating the last few days, team wise and also personally, as a finger injury has kept me out of the side for the game against Yorkshire at Headingley.

I dislocated the little finger during our Friends Provident Trophy game in in Belfast, had it put back in and I didn't think it would react like it has done.

But there was no way I would be able to bat or field, so I had to sit this one out.

Personally, I am very disappointed I have missed this game, but, if it is going to be affected by the weather, as seems likely, it may not be that bad.

Team-wise, we need to turn around those two early losses in the Championship, and get some momentum, even if that means getting two solid draws before we start Twenty20 cricket on 25 May.

We have won our two one-day games and one-day cricket is a great form of the game to get some momentum going.

Four-day cricket calls for more concentration, when longer partnerships are needed.

We have to try and change our cricket a little bit, and we have to learn to be more patient.

It's something our skipper Vikram Solanki has spoken about it in the past, and also being to field our strongest team as well would be helpful!

The injuries and, with Stephen Moore away playing for England Lions, has given a chance for a couple of the younger lads, Alex Kervezee and David Wheeldon. And who's to say they won't step up and make a mark. Ashley Noffke touched down from Australia, just as Kabir Ali got injured, so it's pretty much a straight swop but to have them both in the attack would make a big difference.

The good thing about having youngsters in the team, along with some experience, is that you get some good energy levels in the team.

It's good as fresh faces can bring a bit more motivation to the team as well.

BEN SMITH, Born Corby, 3/4/72 Joined Worcestershire from Leicestershire, 2002 Replaced Graeme Hick as Worcestershire skipper for the 2003 season, only to stand down late the following summer Has now scored 7,747 first-class runs for Worcestershire in 119 matches

People have talked about the jump to First Division cricket for us this summer and there is a difference, but it's still about hitting the ball, bowling with it and catching it.

The difference is we have to be patient, and believe that things will change when they are not going your way.

We saw Notts do it to us in the Championship game at Trent Bridge when we we fell just two runs short of avoiding the follow-on. If we had scored those two runs I don't think we would have lost the game.

As you know, it's a busy summer for me with a benefit as well.

We have had six benefit events so far, and the committee are working very hard at up-coming events.

We have a bit of a lull in May, so I am hoping to get ahead of all the other events we have in June and July when we have a very busy schedule.

The Worcestershire lads are going to be called upon a bit more now, and I think they are looking forward to a bit of fun and enjoyment.

Still on the cricket field, but also on the golf course and at some of the events coming up, but we are all working hard behind the scenes.

Corporately, it's maybe not going as well as we had hoped, but I can understand that.

There are some tough times for companies, and we are very grateful for those that have been able to contribute and help.

Selling to the public, and people wanting to come along, have a good time and have some value for money has been really great.

Anyway I hope to back playing for the game against Notts at New Road on Monday, and it will be great to be playing at home after a few weeks on the road.

If anyone wants more details of benefit events than please go to www.bensmithbenefit.com.

Ben Smith was talking to BBC Hereford and Worcester's Dave Bradley

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