Worcestershire captain Brett D’Oliveira has challenged his side to show “real character and spirit” on the final day at Derby, insisting there is still belief in the dressing room despite a tough three days in the East Midlands.
After being asked to follow on in reply to Derbyshire’s imposing 625 for 8 declared, the Pears closed day three on 68 for 1 in their second innings. It leaves Worcestershire with a significant task ahead, but not one they are shying away from.
“It’s simple now, we’ve just got to bat,” said D’Oliveira. “Ball by ball, session by session, over by over.
“There’s a strong belief in that dressing room. We’ve been here before, and it’s about showing real character and spirit.”
While the fightback late in the day offered encouragement, D’Oliveira admitted the position Worcestershire find themselves in is the result of missed opportunities across all three days.
“It’s been a bit frustrating and a bit disappointing,” he said. “I think we’ve just missed moments throughout the game.
“With the ball on day one, in those conditions, we probably expected to do a bit better. But we were trying, and sometimes it doesn’t quite come off.
“And then with the bat, we’ve had guys get in, myself included, and not quite gone on to make those really big contributions.”
The Pears showed determination in their first innings, reaching 312 thanks to key contributions throughout the order, but the captain was honest in his assessment that more was needed.
“We’ve had decent partnerships, but not those big partnerships that really put you in control of the game,” he added. “That’s probably been the difference.”
D’Oliveira was also quick to acknowledge the quality and consistency of the Derbyshire attack, who maintained pressure throughout the match.
“Credit to them, they bowled really well,” he said. “They hit nice lengths, challenged us on that forward defensive, and didn’t give us much to work with.
“They’ve got a lot of depth as well. Plenty of all-rounders, plenty of options, and they’ve stuck to their game plan.”
One of the clear positives for Worcestershire has been the performance of 19-year-old Dan Lategan, who has stood out across both innings with maturity beyond his years.
After falling agonisingly short of a century earlier in the day, the young opener responded with another assured knock in the second innings to guide Worcestershire safely through to stumps.
D’Oliveira admitted the dressing room shared Lategan’s disappointment when his first innings ended, particularly given how in control he had looked.
“We all felt for Dan,” he said. “He looked in full control and was playing brilliantly.
“But hopefully tomorrow he can put that behind him and go on and get a big one.”
The skipper was particularly impressed by how Lategan has handled the challenge of opening the batting in demanding conditions.
“For such a young man, the composure he’s shown is really exciting,” he said. “Opening the batting with the new ball on a pitch like that is never easy.
“No doubt he would have been nervous, but the way he’s carried himself and the shots he’s played have been outstanding.”
There was also encouragement in the performance of Adam Hose, who continues his return after a difficult winter.
D’Oliveira revealed the extent of the work Hose has put in behind the scenes, praising his professionalism and resilience.
“He’s had some dark days over the winter, I’ve seen it firsthand,” he said. “But the work he’s put in has been second to none.
“He’s the ultimate professional, and it was great to see him back out there contributing. I’m sure he’ll be frustrated he didn’t go on, but it’s a really positive step.”
With one day remaining, Worcestershire’s objective is clear: bat time and build partnerships.
And while the task is significant, D’Oliveira believes his side has both the experience and mindset to embrace the challenge.
“We’ve been in this position before,” he said. “So hopefully we can draw on that.
“It’s about staying calm, sticking to our plans, and showing that fight.
“The lads will come in tomorrow ready to give everything.”
