WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes insists the gulf in class between the two divisions of the LV= County Championship is getting smaller every season.

The New Road side find themselves back in the second tier after two seasons in the top-flight.

With the redevelopment of the club’s headquarters forcing Rhodes’ men to play their first five games of this season away from home, if has been a tough opening to the campaign.

A battling draw at title-favourites Lancashire was a decent start to life back in Division Two, but they followed that up with crushing defeats at Glamorgan and Hampshire prior to this week’s stroll at The Parks against Oxford MCCU.

However, Rhodes believes it’s not just the likes of Hampshire and Lancashire who will be battling it out for promotion.

The New Road chief said: “Hampshire have under-achieved in four-day cricket.

“They have a terrific side, good depth and some exciting young players.

“Alongside Lancashire, those two will be favourites, but there are others too – Kent had a massively improved season last year going from bottom the season before that to third. That’s a good improvement and they are knocking on the door.

“Essex have plenty of depth and quality and in many ways they shouldn’t be in Division Two. It’s a big task ahead of us, but I imagine we’ll be in the shake-up. I’d be very disappointed if we’re not and, if we can get in the mix, then we’ll have a great chance of going up.”

While he realises there will be plenty of competition for a place in the top tier, Rhodes is optimistic his side can shake off a sluggish start and secure an immediate return to Division One.

He added: “Last time we were in Division Two, I don’t think it was as strong as it is now, so I would say that maybe the gap between the two divisions is a little bit smaller now.

“There are the top four or five sides in Division One who have managed to maintain their status and challenge for the title.

“It’s now up to the likes of us and other yo-yo sides to make sure we can get back up there.”