WORCESTERSHIRE president John Elliott has praised the qualities of director of cricket Steve Rhodes who this summer completes 10 years in the role.

Elliott is “surprised” former England wicketkeeper Rhodes has not been considered for some kind of international recognition, such as leading a winter Lions tour.

He was County chairman when Rhodes replaced Australian Tom Moody midway through the 2005 campaign.

Elliott, who stands down at this month’s annual meeting to be replaced by Lord Mervyn King as president, said: “I was involved as chairman when we appointed our first director of cricket in Tom.

“He went on to Sri Lanka and we promoted within, which we always do at Worcestershire, and Steve in my view is an outstanding director of cricket.

“He works hard, has got the backing of the lads, has got great team spirit going and we’ve got a wonderful bunch of players coming through, which is also testament to Damian D’Oliveira.

“But Steve’s come through some difficult times with the terrible floods of the 2007 season and subsequently the cricket budget being cut.

“I am surprised Steve never gets a mention when matters such as who should take England Lions’ teams abroad come up.

“Steve came from Yorkshire to Worcestershire and played all his cricket here for 20 years before being cricket director for 10 years with a brilliant work ethic. He’s got such a legacy.”