Friday, July 4th, 2014

Rhodes Names Unchanged Squad For Top Two New Road Showdown

Rhodes Names Unchanged Squad For Top Two New Road Showdown

Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes has named a 13 strong squad for today's (Sunday's) NatWest T20 Blast top two clash with Lancashire Lightning at New Road (2.30pm start).

Rhodes has again selected the players initially chosen for Friday's wash-out with visiting Yorkshire Vikings.

Paceman Charlie Morris and all-rounder Gareth Andrew are added to the 11 players who performed so well in the home win over Birmingham Bears two weeks ago.

Andrew is able to play purely as a batsman as he continues his rehabilitation from a back problem.

Moeen Ali is unavailable following his selection in the England squad for next week's first Investec Test with India at Trent Bridge.

All-rounder Ross Whiteley is included in the squad after having an injection to ease a recent shoulder problem.

Spinner Brett D'Oliveira is named after his father and Academy coach Damian D'Oliveira passed away last Sunday.

He was set to play against Yorkshire had the game gone ahead as a 20 over a side contest as opposed to a severely reduced overs affair.

Rhodes said: "Brett has been part of our T20 squad for the season and played quite a few of the games. If it had been a long game, a 20 over game, he would have been playing on Friday.

"He recognises that his dad would have wanted him to carry on playing cricket. When you are concentrating on the match, it takes your mind off other things.

"Damian wouldn't have liked any sorrow from anyone and he would have wanted his son to carry on as normal and try and win games of cricket and do well himself.

"It was a very short chat about when he was right to come back to the fold. He is grieving but one of the best ways is getting back on the horse and getting out there playing cricket.

"Brett was keen to do well (on Friday) and is in the squad again for Sunday."

The Rapids head Lancashire on run rate and will be looking to add to the six wins in a row they chalked up before the wash-outs against Nottinghamshire Ouitlaws and the Vikings.

Worcestershire (from): Mitchell, Oliver, Kohler-Cadmore, Munro, Kervezee, Whiteley, Cox, D'Oliveira, Shantry, Ajmal, Russell, Andrew, Morris.