Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes has named a 13 strong squad for the opening LV = County Championship match with Divison One champions Yorkshire starting at New Road tomorrow (11am).
Sri Lanka spinner Sachithra Senanayake is poised to make his county debut after competing for Sinhalese Sports Club in the domestic T20 competition.
Moeen Ali is also named in what will be his first competitive match since suffering a side strain when bowling while on World Cup duty for England four weeks ago.
Batsman Alex Gidman will make his Championship debut for Worcestershire after moving from Gloucestershire on a two year contract.
All-rounder Gareth Andrew is back in contention for his first Championship appearance since playing against Glamorgan at the Swalec Stadium 11 months ago.
The 31-year-old was unable to bowl for the remainder of the 2014 campaign because of a lumbar pedicle fracture in his back.
There is intense competition for places amongst the Worcestershire players after a pre-season programme incorporating four matches in Abu Dhabi and five in England.
Rhodes said: "Is this the strongest squad I've had to pick from? It has got thankfully the most depth so there are more people competing for places.
"It is a very good squad though we shouldn't get too carried away. They are a side that are developing and hopefully a squad that does improve and play some really good cricket this year.
"Will someone be unlucky to miss out? I think we've got a situation where you've got a few people challenging for places so, of course, you are going to have some guys who are disappointed at missing out.
"But once that season gets underway it is up to the guys who are in the team to stay there and it's up to the others to make sure they push them out."
WORCESTERSHIRE (FROM)
Daryl Mitchell (captain)
Richard Oliver
Moeen Ali
Tom Fell
Alex Gidman
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Ben Cox
Gareth Andrew
Jack Shantry
Sachithra Senanayake
Charlie Morris
Joe Leach
Brett D'Oliveira
