Worcestershire CCC | Match Preview - 18/05/2023

The final fixture before the breakup for the start of the Vitality Blast sees Leicestershire travel to the West Midlands to take on Worcestershire.

The Foxes are undefeated in their opening five games and will be buoyed by the addition of Somerset bowler Josh Davey for the upcoming four days. The fixture follows a stoic final day draw against Sussex, during which Rishi Patel and Wiaan Mulder tonned up to keep the side’s unbeaten streak alive.

Worcestershire suffered a ten-wicket defeat to Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens and will be looking to bounce back on their home turf.

Last Time We Met:

It was a fixture to forget the last time Leicestershire made the trip West to New Road in the County Championship.

Wiaan Mulder took four wickets and Lewis Hill hit a half-century put the Foxes were well and truly beaten, as Worcestershire won by an innings and 259 runs.

Fox to Watch:

Tom Scriven’s return to the fold has provided a welcome boost with both bat and ball. The all-rounder has claimed seven wickets at 23.57 in his three games this term, yielding at just an economical 2.79 runs per over.

A crucial 51 not out on the final day against Sussex helped propel the scoreboard upwards, and ensure the game was beyond the visitors’ reach. Batting at eight, the 24-year-old further strengthens a stacked batting lineup.

Scriven showed glimpses of his potential at the end of last summer, scoring two half-centuries and taking four wickets in three matches at the end of the campaign. If he can continue in that vein, he’ll be a vital cog in the Foxes’ wheel this year.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Talking of impressive all-rounders, Matthew Waite has made a solid start to the 2023 season. After arriving from Yorkshire permanently last winter, he has started in emphatic fashion.

Top of the batting average charts with 332 runs at 55.33, headlined by a score of 109 not out, the 27-year-old has looked the most comfortable of a struggling batting lineup so far this term.

With the ball, he’s added nine wickets at the second most economical rate, bettered only by long-term servant Joe Leach.

Squad:

New signing Josh Davey comes straight into the 13 for the trip to New Road. He joins Roman Walker, who also comes into contention for the match, alongside the XI who took on Sussex last time out.

Callum Parkinson (side) and Matt Salisbury (calf) are nearing returns, while Ed Barnes (foot) and Louis Kimber (side) are also on the sidelines.

Leicestershire: Ackermann, Ahmed, Budinger, Davey, Davis, Handscomb, Hill*, Hull, Mulder, Patel, Scriven, Walker, Wright.