Wednesday, June 29th, 2016

South African Star Abbott Set To Make Rapids Debut Against The Jets

South African Star Abbott Set To Make Rapids Debut Against The Jets

Kyle Abbott is in line to make his Worcestershire Rapids debut in tomorrow's NatWest T20 Blast clash with Durham Jets at the Emirates ICG.

The South African paceman has linked up with his new team-mates after playing for his country in the Tri-Series involving Australia and West Indies in the Caribbean. 

Before that Abbott,who was 29 earlier this month, had featured in the home Test series with England, the ICC World T20 in India and the India Premier League with Kings X1 Punjab.

He is part of a 12 man squad as the Rapids aim to complete a double over the Jets whom they defeated by 38 runs in the opening T20 Blast fixture at New Road.

Worcestershire will be hoping Abbott replicates the form he showed when helping Hampshire to promotion in the County Championship in 2014 when he picked up 36 wickets in nine games at an average of 20.33 and an economy rate of 2.91. 

It is a busy start for Abbott with Worcestershire home to Derbyshire Falcons on Friday evening (5.30pm) in the Yell4Fell fixture T20 Blast fixture and then facing Leicestershire at New Road from Sunday in the Specsavers County Championship (11am start).

Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Kyle plays the two T20s and the four day game against Leicestershire.

"It is always quite hectic when you are touring and he has been in that Tri-Series in the West Indies.

"But the good thing is his white ball skills will be up to speed.

"He will be right at the top of his game and the red ball stuff, he can do that with his eyes shut.

"To come and play for us, and try and help us succeed with the things we have started this season, is a great challenge but something that is going to be a real asset for us."

Rhodes is looking for a positive response after a rare off-day against Lancashire Lightning when the Rapids were bowled out for 53 – their lowest T20 total.

He said: ""It was a one-off, it was a bad day at the office and we will be doing our utmost to bounce back.

"We've got two big games (against Durham Jets and Derbyshire Falcons) and we will be pushing for better performances."

Rapids (from):

Kohler-Cadmore

Mitchell (c)

Clarke

Kervezee

D'Oliveira

Whiteley

Cox (w)

Leach

Barnard

Henry

Abbott

Shantry