ELLIOTT Wilson is determined to learn his trade as a cricketer with Worcestershire after putting his university studies on hold.

And, so far, the up-and-coming 23-year-old is passing his batting examinations for the County with flying colours as he proved with an impressive century against Middlesex last week.

Wilson's earlier than expected return to New Road this season, however, is more down to a back injury than anything else.

He explained: "I was supposed to be doing my finals at Durham University and was basically going to miss the first half of the season because I'd have a lot of work to do.

"But I ran into a bit of back trouble in the winter. I've got a very odd condition. I had an operation and there is some scarring on the nerve, which never affects my batting whatsoever. I never get back spasms as such, but the nerve just gives me an awful lot of grief if I sit or stand for a long time.

"So, basically, I just couldn't sit for long enough to do the amount of work that I had to do during the finals, so I've deferred my exams until next winter. It's never felt better when I'm playing, but I just need to be on the go. It's an odd thing because when I'm playing sport I've probably got a better back than anyone."

London-born Wilson, whose university studies involve business and politics, highlighted his quality as a County batsmen of the future last term when he was named Worcestershire Supporters' Association's uncapped Player of the Year.

The award followed his maiden first class century, 116 in the last County Championship match of the season against Middlesex at New Road.

And he again proved his liking for the Middlesex attack last week when he carried his bat for a thoroughly deserved 104.

By being available for the start of this season Wilson went straight into the side for his Benson & Hedges Cup debut, although the wet weather restricted him to just one innings -- 25 not out in the rain-hit ten-over slog against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Once the soggy weather began to relent Wilson started getting into free scoring form with two half centuries -- 77 and 50 not out -- in the three-day friendly with Cambridge University at Fenner's.

But, despite last week's ton-up exploits against Middlesex, it's early days yet and Wilson knows exactly what he has to do if he intends to continue boosting his blossoming New Road career.

"I've got to try to cement a position in the team. I had a good end of season last year in the bit that I did play and I'm looking to build on that this year."

Wilson admits he likes setting himself challenging targets during a season -- and he's determined to hit them this year.

"I averaged 34.72 in the Championship last year and there are times when I'm thinking 'I could do an awful lot better than this'. Once you've got a hundred, as I did in the last game of last season, you have got to fill your boots.

"Realistically, I want to push for 1,000 this year and if you can get up to that you can always get more. So that's the standard really."

Wilson is confident a Glenn McGrath-inspired Worcestershire can make an impression this season despite their early exit from the Benson & Hedges Cup and a lost-one, won-one start to their Norwich Union National League Division One campaign.

"When everyone's fit everybody is going to be fighting for a batting spot so obviously that's healthy competition.

"But from my own point of view I've had my first sort of good season in the first team last year and that's behind me now. I know I can play at this level and now I've got to go on to the next level.

"I know it's early season and everyone is as keen as mustard but I do feel very positive. Fingers crossed it's the start of things to come."

Monday, may 15, 2000.