Moore to follow on

Pears batsman feels loss of Lee is a "big blow" for Australians

Last updated: 8th July 2009  

Moore to follow on

Moore: Hoping to help Worcestershire climb the table

Stephen Moore is exclusively represented by Robert Barry at Total Sport Promotions (TSP) - London's bespoke management agency for elite sport talent. Visit www.totalsportpromotions.com.

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Stephen Moore is hoping his century for England Lions is the sign of good things to come as he bids to help Worcestershire turn around their season.

The opener made a sparkling 120 in the four-day fixture at New Road against a bowling attack that included Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark.

While his performance against the tourists will have further boosted his international hopes, Moore - who was born in South Africa but studied at Exeter University - insists his main concern right now is the plight of his county.

Worcestershire find themselves stuck at the foot of the Division One table LV County Championship having only been promoted to the top flight last year.

Cherished moment

"To get a hundred against Australia's main side, and to do it on my own ground, is something that I will definitely cherish," he told skysports.com.

"You had two guys there (in Lee and Johnson) bowling over 90mph and then another really experienced campaigner who is a well-respected bowler in Stuart Clark.

"To come through that and get runs was fantastic. It was a great experience and something I will take that with me wherever I go.

"I didn't get the runs that I wanted at the start of the season. But I had a good Twenty20 Cup campaign, personally, and obviously it was nice to get runs for the Lions - hopefully it's a sign of things to come.

"For the rest of this season I want to knuckle down at Worcester. We've got a really big second half of the season when we need to play very well.

"I want to make some big contributions and try and do my bit to make sure we stay up in Division One of the LV County Championship. That's where my focus is now, to kick on with the Championship season and then try and have a good Pro40 campaign.

"Then after that? Hopefully it will take care of itself with the way that I finish the season. I want to play for England - I wouldn't be playing county cricket if I didn't want to.

"I've been lucky enough to be involved with the Lions, both this summer and last winter. The main priority is for Worcestershire now, to get my runs at county level. Then we will see where that takes me this winter."

Having seen the Australians up close, Moore is perfectly placed to give his views ahead of the eagerly-anticipated Ashes series this summer.

The right-hander feels the loss of Brett Lee - who took six wickets against the Lions - is a "big blow" for Ricky Ponting's side ahead of the opening Test in Cardiff.

Fantastic

"Obviously they have Peter Siddle who can come into the side (that faced the Lions) but that will be a big blow for them," he said.

"He was fantastic at Worcester, everyone saw that he bowled really quickly and also got the ball to reverse. But you can't underestimate the Australians.

"They are a very good unit and they have some great cricketers in the wings. I would be wary to say that (Lee's loss) is going to hurt them too much, but is definitely going to hurt them."

So does Moore think the Australians will retain the miniature urn then? Not quite.

"I predicted 2-1 earlier in the summer but if there's not too much rain around then I'm now thinking 3-1," he replied when pushed for an outcome. "Either way I'm predicting an England victory."