Joe Leach is back in the Worcestershire squad for LV=Insurance County Championship encounter against Glamorgan at New Road starting tomorrow (Sunday).
The all-rounder has been out of action since mid-May with a back problem and missed the last three Championship matches against Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Durham.
But the 31-year-old came through last week’s Second Eleven Championship match against Leicestershire at Barnt Green with no ill effects and has since put in a solid block of net bowling to prove his fitness.
Head Coach Alex Gidman said: “Really looking forward to having Joe back around. He makes a huge difference on and off the pitch, so it’s great to have him back.”
Leach has picked up ten wickets in his three Championship appearances this season, including returns of 4-37 versus Leicestershire and 4-60 against Sussex.
He also hit a crucial 70 in the Leicestershire game at the Uptonsteel County Ground as well as 62 off the Durham attack at New Road.
Opener Ed Pollock also returns to the Championship squad after missing the drawn game with Durham at the Seat Unique Riverside two weeks ago through illness.
Worcestershire are looking to build on their promising start to the season in the Championship with two wins, one defeat and four hard-fought draws.
Gidman said: “Really, really pleased with where we are halfway through the campaign and are really excited about the next few games.”
Assistant Coach, Alan Richardson, said: “We have to remember all the good stuff we’ve done in the red ball competition so far, the spirit and the character we’ve shown so far in that and the skill we’ve shown.
“We will come up against a good side in Glamorgan on Sunday, but we have to believe that we can keep replicating the performances we’ve put in during the red ball stuff so far.”
WORCESTERSHIRE (FROM):
ED POLLOCK
JAKE LIBBY
TAYLOR CORNALL
AZHAR ALI
JACK HAYNES
BRETT D’OLIVEIRA *
ED BARNARD
GARETH RODERICK +
JOE LEACH
JOSH BAKER
BEN GIBBON
DILLON PENNINGTON
CHARLIE MORRIS
