DIRECTOR of cricket Steve Rhodes admits Worcestershire’s players did a ‘bit of soul searching’ after their innings and 17-run defeat against Warwickshire.

Worcestershire were skittled out for just 80 in the second innings at New Road as they crashed to a defeat inside two days in LV= County Championship Division One.

Rhodes said: “We were in a position in many ways where we still could have won the game. We got an early wicket and they were quite a few runs behind still with five wickets down.

“So we were disappointed for it to peter out the way it did. Some credit to War - wickshire, the way they went about their business, but also we were disappointed.

“Sometimes a bit of soul searching is a good thing. It was a chance for people to air their views.”

Rhodes said some Worces - tershire players were disappointed with the manner of dismissals in the hosts’ second innings.

He continued: “I was a bit disappointed and I think some of the players were as well. But I don’t want to go into any details of what goes on in the dressing room. If you look back there are two opportunities for us in this game.

“At 100-1, you should be looking at a 400 score and also we had them four down for 40 and we missed a chance and then they got away from us.

“Those were the disappointing things. Once you let people back in the game it does put a little bit more pressure on you and sadly we crumbled.”

The Worcestershire chief said Monday’s display at New Road had probably been the worst day in the County’s campaign.

Rhodes added: “I was very proud of the way they fought hard in most of the games and if we carried on doing that, we’d have some wins.

“But sadly we didn’t quite have that same fight in the Warwickshire game, certainly with the bat.

“But there are still plenty of games left and we know how many matches we need to win."