Friday, August 14th, 2015

Leach Says Rapids Have “got Every Base Covered” In Bid For Glory

Leach Says Rapids Have “got Every Base Covered” In Bid For Glory

Joe Leach believes Worcestershire Rapids have "got every base covered" as they bid to try and reach finals days in the NatWest T20 Blast for the first time.

The Rapids take on Hampshire this evening in their first ever home quarter-final in the competition.

All-rounder Leach has plenty of respect for the visitors but says the Rapids "need to back ourselves" after their performances in reaching the last eight.

The 24-year-old said: "Really excited. With the way the season is, you don't really have time to think about games like this but luckily we've had two or three days where we can really focus on it.

"We rested on Tuesday and then have been really able throw ourselves into it on Wednesday and Thursday.

"It's been a rare opportunity to have that sort of practice time and making sure we are raring to go on Friday night.

"The significance of it isn't lost on me. It is a massive game but we need to back ourselves.

"Hampshire are going to be worried about us, coming here with a full house, it is not going to be an easy place to come and play.

"We've got every base covered and we are a good side and as long as we play anything like, I'm very confident we can win."

Leach says the availability of Moeen Ali, released from Ashes duty by England to play, is an additional fillip to the Rapids chances.

He said: "That is a big boost. Someone needs to stand up and, with a world class player like Mo, it just increases our chances of having that one person on our side to do that.

"Really pleased for him as well. He is going to be flying high after the week he's just had. "