There was heartening news for Worcestershire CCC supporters as club captain Joe Leach took the first steps with his bowling comeback today when playing for Shrewsbury CC in the Birmingham Premier League.
The 27-year-old sent down four overs with the new ball for the Shrews in the away fixture with Barnt Green.
Leach dismissed Barnt Green opener Tom Brown for a duck and finished with the impressive figures of 4-3-1-1.
It was his first competitive bowl since suffering a stress fracture of the back nearly 11 months ago.
Leach has gradually eased his way back into action by playing purely as a batsman, firstly in one match during the pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi, and latterly for Worcestershire Seconds.
He also acted as 12th man in the first team games against Cambridge University and Leicestershire.
Barnt Green were dismissed for 64 in 31.3 overs and then Leach hit a quickfire 19 off 27 balls with three fours batting at number three.
Shrewsbury made short work of their modest target in just 11.4 overs to register an eight wicket victory.
