NEXT Tuesday will be a momentous day in the history of Worcestershire CCC as the club celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The County was formed via a meeting at the Star Hotel in Foregate Street — now known as the Whitehouse Hotel — on Tuesday, March 3, 1865.

Worcestershire have seen many highlights since their first match at Bromsgrove Grammar School was staged the following month.

From the days of being called ‘Fostershire’ in the early 1900s to a golden period of five County Championship titles — and many more one-day trophies — in a 25-year period from the 1960s to the 1980s, there is much to admire.

Now, fittingly director of cricket Steve Rhodes, who featured in two of those Championship title triumphs, has ensured the 150th year will be played out in Division One of the LV= County Championship.

He was also at the helm as Worcestershire overcame the summer floods of 2007 to win the Pro40 League title that year without playing a single game at New Road.

Many of the world’s greatest players have graced the club — Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and Glenn McGrath to name but four.

The likes of Tip Foster — the only person to captain England at football and cricket — Tom Graveney, Basil D’Oliveira, Glenn Turner and Graeme Hick have become New Road legends.

Even WG Grace played for Worcestershire in 1870, being recruited to play against the North of England, and he helped to clinch a two-day win.

Now, as the 150th anniversary looms closer, the future is looking bright on and off the field with new facilities such as The View and a young and talented squad.