Friday, May 8th, 2015

Moeen Returns As Bumpy Names 12 Strong Squad To Face Warks

Moeen Returns As Bumpy Names 12 Strong Squad To Face Warks

Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes has named a 12 man squad for the LV = County Championship derby with Warwickshire at Edgbaston beginning tomorrow (Saturday).

Rhodes has made one change from the players originally selected in the squad to face Somerset at New Road.

Moeen Ali has been made available to play for Worcestershire by England and is included to face the Bears.

The 27-year-old appeared in the opening LV CC game of the season against Yorkshire at New Road before flying out to the West Indies to play in the second and third Tests.

Skipper Daryl Mitchell said: "It is good news. Moeen is a terrific asset in any side and he will be a bonus for us.

"He will improve this team that is performing so well."

Rhodes said: "We are very grateful to the ECB for releasing him to get some cricket under his belt."

Moeen's inclusion means Tom Fell is likely to drop down to number four -the position in which he scored a century against the Tykes.

All-rounder Ross Whiteley, who was part of the side which gained an innings and 62 runs win over Somerset, drops out of the squad selected for that game.

Fellow all-rounder Gareth Andrew is again unavailable after suffering a recurrence of his back problem.

Warwickshire have drawn their opening two Championship matches of the campaign.

Rhodes said: "It will be a really tough test for us. Warwickshire are another one of these teams battle-hardened in Division One.

"We will go there obviously fully of confidence after the Somerset victory.

"But also we must respect them because you don't become a battle-hardened Division One side without those tough qualities to get you out of jail when you are struggling or ram home an advantage to win games.

"We expect a very tough encounter there."

Worcestershire:

Daryl Mitchell (captain)

Richard Oliver

Moeen Ali

Tom Fell

Alex Gidman

Alexei Kervezee

Ben Cox

Joe Leach

Jack Shantry

Sachithra Senanayake

Charlie Morris

Ed Barnard