With the 2025 season fast approaching, Worcestershire’s players are in a strong place physically, according to the Club’s Head of Sport Science and Medicine, Andy Powell.
“Overall, fitness levels are good,” Powell said. “We’ve had lots of players who have been abroad getting overs into their legs, and others who have stayed home and focused on rehab. We’re definitely going into the season fitter and in a better place than last year, with fewer niggles and more availability across the board.”
Encouragingly, every member of the squad is currently available for selection, which Powell believes puts the group in a very positive place heading into the new campaign.
One of the most notable changes behind the scenes has been the promotion of George Denman, previously assistant Strength & Conditioning coach, to Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach.
“George stepped up in January after Zach Bess left us for Nottinghamshire,” Powell explained. “It’s been a really smooth transition. The players know and respect him, and he’s built on the excellent work Zach did right up to December. It’s been seamless.”
This winter has seen a continued focus on individualised programming, designed collaboratively between the coaching team, science and medicine staff, and the players themselves.
“There’s never a one-size-fits-all approach,” Powell said. “You’ve got developing players, returning players, and those already at a high level of conditioning. So we tailor the approach to what each person needs, and make joint decisions between departments to get the balance right between fitness and cricket-specific work.”
Several players have made standout progress over the winter, both in rehab and in pushing their fitness to new levels.
“It’s probably worth highlighting Brett D’Oliveira, who is coming into the season in a much better position than last year,” Powell noted. “You’ve also got Matthew Waite, who’s been superb in terms of commitment to his fitness and nutrition. He’s really led by example.”
Others to have impressed include Adam Finch, who had knee surgery at the back end of 2024, as well as Ben Gibbon and Yadvinder Singh Chahal, both of whom have worked extremely hard in their rehab from back injuries to be fit and firing for the start of the season.
“We’ve also brought in a nutritionist, James Stanbury, to support the squad and that’s been another great step forward,” Powell added. “It’s early days but already making a real difference.”
As for the challenge of keeping the group healthy over a long campaign, Powell was clear about the role of fitness in contributing to success – but also realistic.
“Being fit doesn’t win you games, scoring runs and taking wickets does. But being fit gives you the opportunity to succeed,” he said.
“Last year, it was certainly the most physically compromised we’ve been in my three seasons with the Club – and yet we had one of our most successful seasons.”
“This year, we’re in better shape physically. The hope is that gives us even more opportunities to push on.”
