KEVIN Sharp is relishing his first home game as Worcestershire head coach and is confident his players will “come to the party” against Nottinghamshire in Specsavers County Championship Division One today.

Sharp scored 260 not out when captaining England U19s against West Indies at New Road 40 years ago and that will always be a memory to cherish for him.

But taking charge of the club he has grown to love during the past four years for the first time at their headquarters is also special for Sharp.

“Of course, being captain of your country against the West Indies was a big occasion,” he said.

“To get 260 not out on this ground will always be something to look back on with pleasure – and I could have had the chance of 300 if we hadn’t declared at tea on the final day.

“But the first home match as head coach is also going to be a very special occasion for me.

“The first home game of any season is special and there will be a lot of anticipation.

“This is my fifth year here, I’ve come to love the club and I really enjoy the people who work here.

“You look over the ground and the cathedral from the dressing room balcony and it is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world – so who wouldn’t want to work here.”

Worcestershire have lost their opening two games as they followed up their 196-run defeat at Hampshire with a 83-run loss at Somerset.

But Sharp believes his side will bounce back against Nottinghamshire who Worcestershire edged out to win the Division Two title last season.

The clash will also see overseas signing Travis Head make his home debut while Ross Whiteley has replaced Steve Magoffin who has been rested as a precaution due to a tight hamstring suffered against Somerset.

“I should imagine there will be a decent crowd here this week,” Sharp said.

“Notts are obviously a strong, high profile team, and we will relish that challenge.

“I’m sure they will bring a few members with them and we just want some good weather.

“The lads will be ready, they have been preparing well for the game this week.

“I’m quite confident that although we haven’t won a game yet that these lads will come to the party.”

Worcestershire will be hoping to improve in the field after a sloppy display at Somerset.

“The difference in this game was we actually dropped a few catches that cost us dearly,” Sharp added.

“We dropped James Hildreth four times and these lads are good players and you can’t really afford to do that.

“No one drops a catch on purpose and I can’t fault the way we prepared and the work ethic. It’s a game, so it happens now and again.”

Worcestershire: Mitchell, D’Oliveira, Fell, Clarke, Head, Rhodes, Cox (w), Barnard, Leach(c), Tongue, Morris, Twohig, Whiteley