MATT Mason admits one of the most frustrating parts of his role as bowling coach is the inconsistency of young players.

Rookie paceman Chris Russell is a case in point as he has the ability to bowl at 85mph and often produces wicket-taking deliveries, but he often goes the distance in his spells.

The Isle of Wight-born quick, 24, has already taken 40 wickets in all formats for Worcestershire, but more often than not they have come at a hefty price.

However, former New Road seamer Mason is confident Russell has the aptitude and work ethic to develop into a talented performer.

Mason said: “The young players have to put the hours in to do that, but I’m confident we’ll see the rewards. It won’t happen overnight, it’s a long process, but they’re all keen to work hard and that’s the main thing.

“Chris is a classic example of an inexperienced young fast bowler, because when he stands at the top of his mark, he just wants to run in and bowl as fast as he can. Pace against top level batsmen doesn’t get the job done all the time, it is pace with skill that’s needed.

“He knows that and is working very hard. He has a lot to offer, but it’s just a case of trying to control that aggression that he has.

“He needs to learn that, even at 85mph, if the ball’s not in the right spot, it’s going to disappear — especially against guys like the Aussies.

“I spoke to him after the first day and you could see it in his face that he was disappointed, but the one thing about him is he will always bounce back.”

Another callow County paceman has been involved against the Aussies this week and Mason has high hopes for Charlie Morris, who he sees as Alan Richardson’s heir apparent.

“Out of all the bowlers, Charlie went at under 3.3-an-over which, considering the run-rate Australia scored at, I think he would take,” added Mason.

“He has a lot of promise and I think looking ahead with him that he can be a great replacement for Alan when that sad day comes and he can no longer be available for us, but hopefully that won’t be for some time yet.

“Charlie hits the seam and bowls really good areas, like Alan, and I have high hopes for him. He’s not with us full-time at the moment because he still has university exams to finish “He’s captain at Oxford, which is good for his development, and he is only 21, so we have time with him.

“However, I’ll tell you what, if he keeps going the way he has been, and with the attitude he has, he’ll play some First-Class cricket before the season’s out.

“He is our registered player, so he belongs to Worcestershire if you like!

“He loves it here and our biggest problem with Charlie is stopping him from doing stuff, rather than getting him to do it, because he’s champing at the bit.”