ED Barnard says the Worcestershire players are looking forward to having the “missing ingredient” back for matches at New Road.

The all-rounder and his teammates are looking forward to re-igniting that link on match days with members and supporters.

After two years of various COVID-19 restrictions, Barnard stressed the importance of rebuilding that "special bond" with spectators.

He said: "We were fortunate during the lockdown for Covid-19 to continue to play cricket, a shortened season in 2020 and a full one last summer.

"But the missing ingredient has not being able to interact with the Worcestershire members and supporters.

"Even when spectators were allowed back in, everyone had to keep their distance because of the ‘bubbles’ the players were in because of the pandemic.

"I can assure you, the players have really missed that special bond and conversation and interaction with the members.

"You walk down the steps of the Graeme Hick pavilion for a practice net or a bowl on the day of a game and chatting with members is part and parcel of what playing for Worcestershire is all about.

"It might only sometimes be a ‘good morning’, but our loyal members mean so much to the lads and give us that extra spur.

"Many of them also travelled for the opening game at Leicestershire, and we appreciate their backing so much.

"It will be great to have that interaction back at New Road, starting with the game against Sussex, and we hope we can deliver a season to remember."

Worcestershire’s first home fixture of 2022 sees the Pears take on Sussex in the LV=Insurance County Championship from Thursday this week.

Barnard and his teammates will be hoping to bounce back from the frustrations of their season opener when Leicestershire denied them the victory their play deserved.

The Pears were in full control and a convincing win was looking on the cards on Day 4 with Leicestershire reeling but Leicestershire opener Hassan Azad produced a stunning defensive century to ensure his side secured an unlikely draw.

Sussex drew with Derbyshire last weekend but did lose their league opener by 10 wickets at home to Nottinghamshire.