Worcestershire club captain Joe Leach believes it is crucial to a side’s success to have strength in depth in the fast bowling department as Dillon Pennington prepares to make his comeback after injury.
Pennington is in contention to make his first senior appearance of the season in Tuesday’s prestigious 50 over meeting with Australia ‘A’ at Kidderminster (11am start).
The England Under-19 bowler has recovered from the ankle injury suffered in pre-season training in mid April.
He has built up his fitness via appearances for Shrewsbury – he bowled nine overs yesterday – Worcestershire Seconds and in the nets last week at Chester Road.
Pennington will join a battery of bowlers including Leach, Adam Finch, Ed Barnard, Charlie Morris, Josh Tongue and Wayne Parnell although the latter two are currently injured.
Leach said: “All the better sides in Championship cricket have that stable of fast bowlers so to have Dill returning to fitness is a really good sign.
“It means we can use the group in the appropriate way rather than having to pick the same guys week in and week out.
“We want guys who are fresh and fit and raring to go every game.”
Travis Head, who was Worcestershire’s main overseas player in 2018, will skipper Australia ‘A’.
Leach said: “Just looking at their squad, it’s a very good one. It will be a nice event for Kidderminster to host.
“I’m sure it will be a good pitch and a good game of cricket.
“They’ve got not just international cricketers, but highly experienced international cricketers in their squad.
“They’ve got guys we know. Travis (Head) is captaining them and it will be nice to see him again.
“It’s exciting times to play against international calibre opposition whenever they come around.”
