WORCESTERSHIRE'S determination to have improved pitches next summer resulted in the County holding a pitches "brains trust" at New Road yesterday.

Taking part in the advisory work were Bill Adams, Professor of Soil Science at Aberystwyth University who has undertaken research work on cricket pitches for ECB over many years; Tom Flintoff, Head Groundsman at Durham; Gordon Prosser, former Head Groundsman at New Road, and also at Lancashire and Somerset; together with Roy McLaren, the County's head groundsman, and County Coach, Bill Athey.

Worcestershire's Secretary, Mike Vockins said: "Everyone here, Roy included, is determined that we should return to the fast, bouncy, pitches for which Worcestershire has traditionally been known.

"I felt it was beneficial to get some of the best brains in the business to advise us. We all want to get the right answers, both in the middle and also in our practice nets.

"I'm delighted that these expert have agreed to assist us.

"I know Roy particularly welcomes the input from Gordon Prosser, whose local knowledge of New Road will be particularly helpful," said Vockins.