Tom Kohler-Cadmore has been praised for his hard work and professionalism after returning to action after shoulder surgery two weeks ahead of schedule.
The Worcestershire batsman had an operation at the end of February after suffering the setback when playing grade cricket in Australia.
Kohler-Cadmore was expected to be touch and go as to whether he would be for the start of the 2017 campaign.
But he had recovered sufficiently to bat at number four on the first day of the current friendly encounter with Gloucestershire at RGS Worcester.
Worcestershire CCC's head of science and medicine, Ben Davies, has been delighted with Kohler-Cadmore's approach and work ethic.
He said: "Tom had his surgery at the end of February, had a stabilisation of his shoulder after subluxing it in Australia.
"The surgeon was pretty confident we could get Tom there or thereabouts for the start of the season but it is looking really positive at the moment.
"It wasn't ideal because myself and Ross Dewar (strengthening and conditioning coach) went away with the team to Abu Dhabi for the pre-season camp.
"But we put a strict plan in place while we were away and Tom has followed that meticulously and was able to play some part as a batter against Gloucestershire.
"He has also been able to do some fielding and controlled diving onto a mat and hopefully can put his name in the hat for the three-day game with Leeds-Bradford MCCU.
"Tom is two to three weeks ahead of schedule and we are really happy with the way he has worked.
"He has worked tirelessly. Tom is a bit of a joker as a character but with this rehab, he has been meticulous and very professional, as good as anyone."
