DIRECTOR of cricket Steve Rhodes was delighted with the progress shown by paceman Charlie Morris during Worcestershire's pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi.

Morris spent last summer remodelling his action after two successful years with the ball had yielded 96 wickets in the County Championship.

He then undertook a successful five-month spell of grade cricket in Australia with Tuggeranong Valley before returning to New Road.

Rhodes said: "I was really pleased with Charlie.

"For all the supporters who had seen Charlie take a lot of wickets in previous years, then last year they would have been a bit worried about him.

"He went through such a tough time but he is coming out the other side now.

"He bowled some quite sharp deliveries and he was very exciting. I don't want to put too much pressure on him and want him to enjoy his cricket but he seems to have got his zip back which is brilliant."

Morris is part of the squad for the first of two 50 over warm-up games against Somerset at Taunton Vale tomorrow (Thursday).

Fellow paceman Josh Tongue was able to continue his rehab schedule in Abu Dhabi after his return from undergoing lumbar spine surgery last September.

Rhodes said: "We took it really steady with Josh. The bottom line is he has got a couple of screws in his back and we want everything to settle really well.

"We were very careful and took our time and to see him off his long run was terrific.

"His rehab carries on now in England and outdoor early season and we will just keep going with his programme and aim to get him fully fit for the start of the season."