DIRECTOR of cricket Steve Rhodes says Worcestershire have got “three good options” when it comes to deciding upon an opening batting partner for skipper Daryl Mitchell next season.

Rhodes believes Brett D’Oliveira, Tom Fell and Tom Kohler-Cadmore are all potential contenders for the role.

D’Oliveira filled the open - ing spot in LV= County Championship during the latter part of last season in place of Richard Oliver after operating in the position for the seconds.

He made several promising starts and had a top score of 49 in the second innings against Durham at the ICG Emirates.

Fell has batted regularly at number three and effectively been cast in the opening role if a wicket goes down early.

Kohler-Cadmore often opened for the second XI and is in the same role for Penrith Panthers in Australia.

When asked if he would look to bring in an opening batsman to replace the departed Oliver, Rhodes said: “At the moment we’ve got three good options in carrying on the development of our own players and one of them is Dolly.

“Although he didn’t go on to get a big score, which was such a shame when he opened the batting, he did a lot of really good, hard work in getting himself starts.

“Tom Fell could do it, very much so. He has batted three and practically been an opener a few times.

“If he has got England ambitions, it might be that he wants to open the batting.

“The other one is Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who finished the season well in the middle order, but he is opening this winter and has opened in the second team so we have got some options.”

Kohler-Cadmore finished the season with a flourish after Alex Gidman’s broken finger presented the chance of a recall.

Rhodes added: “He is learning about batting and that sometimes means getting over a few hurdles that get presented to us. He is managing that and you look at where he finished the season, he topped the averages.”

Meanwhile, Worcestershire have joined forces with Bullpen Fitness for their winter strength and conditioning programme.

The Sherriff Street venue will be the County’s base two days a week