Graeme Hick playing for a county other than Worcestershire would be almost as unthinkable as New Road without a view of the cathedral. But it looked briefly possible when Derbyshire confirmed that they had made a formal approach for the 40-year-old former England batsman. That added urgency to Worcestershire’s contract talks with Hick, who scored his 100th first-class century for the county this summer. To their relief Hick signed a new one-year contract within days of Derbyshire’s interest being made public.

“It was flattering to hear another county was interested but my heart was always with Worcestershire,” Hick says. “I’ve played here all my career and didn’t want to go anywhere else. I had a chat with Derbyshire and listened to what they had to say but in the end I just couldn’t leave. It wouldn’t have felt right to play in any other colours.” Hick has yet to decide whether next season will be his last and has not ruled out the possibility of prolonging his career further.

“At this stage I’m going to take it a season at a time,” he says. “We’ll see how I feel this time next year.”

Paul Bolton, The Wisden Cricketer