End of the Rhodes for Steve at Worcs
AFTER 33 years with the county, Steve Rhodes has left his role as director of cricket at Worcestershire following an internal investigation into his conduct.
The club, who won promotion back to County Championship Division One this year, announced at the end of last month that they were “dealing with a disciplinary matter”.
It has been reported that Rhodes, 53, delayed telling the county about the arrest of all-rounder Alex Hepburn, who has since been charged with two counts of rape.
A Worcestershire statement read: “Steve Rhodes has left with immediate effect. We thank him for his 33 years as a player, coach and director of cricket. We wish him well in the future.”
His departure brings to an end 33 years association with the club after joining the county from Yorkshire in 1985.
Rhodes went on to play 11 Tests for England as he spent 20 seasons as first-choice Worcesteshire wicketkeeper, making 13,300 runs in 391 first-class matches at an average of 33.16, hitting 11 hundreds and 65 halfcenturies, as well as taking 991 catches and 104 stumpings.
He was due to coach England Young Lions at the U19 World Cup in January and February, but the ECB said in November that would “not be happening”.
Under Rhodes, Worcestershire won the domestic 40-over competition in 2007 and clinched County Championship promotion for the sixth time in 2017 by winning the Division Two title.