WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids are set for a grueling schedule of seven Metro Bank One Day Cup games in a 16-day period at the start of this month. 

The Rapids began their one-day cup campaign in style with a 42-run success at Durham on Tuesday but the squad will be stretched to the limit over the next two and a half weeks.

The Rapids host Glamorgan in their opening home game of the tournament on Friday which signifies the start of a chaotic period in which they will play seven games in just 16 days. 

And with the likes of Adam Hose, Josh Tongue and Mitchell Stanley away playing in The Hundred and injuries to Adam Finch (back) and fellow pace bowler Pat Brown (abdominal strain), Richardson is having to call on some of the Academy players to make the step up. 

"The boys have been fantastic in and around the group," he said. "They know they can’t play every game, and we would be kidding ourselves if we think the same 11 are going to play all the way through.

"We are going to play eight games in 19 days. It’s going to be a squad effort. We are missing a few players through injury and a few are fortunate to go off and play in The Hundred.

"We have to look at guys coming in and making valuable contributions and an impact throughout and be ready to do that.

"We are all looking forward to the competition. It’s something a little bit different and just breaks up the season for us."

Richardson has picked a 15 strong squad – the 11 who played at Durham plus Gareth Roderick, Ed Pollock and the Academy pace duo of Harry Darley and Cameron Jones.