Rhodes is staring his sixth season in charge at New Road

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes says his side are already practising outdoors in preparation for an early season start.

The squad met at New Road for their first nets session on Monday after a winter of training at Malvern College.

Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "When they bring the season forward, we have to move the preparations forward.

"That means getting out on grass a week earlier in readiness for the start on the eighth of April."

Rhodes can remember when he was a player reporting back on 1 April, but says it is a lot different now with full-time contracts.

"It has been a long winter but a good winter for us," he said. "I have been really pleased with the lads, they have bought into all the sessions.

Three of four of the players have gone away and have benefited from playing abroad Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes

"Malvern College's facilities are outstanding, it gives us a good chance to get some remedial work and some basic cricket work done.

"Three of four of the players have gone away and have benefited from playing abroad."

Rhodes says he can already feel the spirit developing in his squad.

"We have had a good intro meeting before training, trying to set the tone of how we want to get through the season," he added.

"Hopefully we can get on some grass wickets that will mean the bowlers can get a long run-in for the first time after being indoors.

"They will be looking to hit the bowling crease in the right place and getting the ball in the right place."

BBC Hereford & Worcester will be providing full commentary on all of Worcestershire's first class and one day games on 738 AM and online.

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