WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will look to pick up their first Clydesdale Bank 40 Group ‘A’ victory tomorrow when they entertain Surrey Lions (1.45pm).

Having been thrashed by Sussex Sharks in their first fixture in the new competition, the New Road side are set to welcome back all-rounder Gareth Andrew after he has recovered from a dislocated finger.

The former Somerset player has been missing since the Leeds/Bradford MCCU match a fortnight ago when his injury also punctured the skin.

Worcestershire, who were beaten inside of two days in their LV= County Champion-ship match by Glamorgan last week, will hope that Andrew can add some much-needed depth to their batting as will as taking vital wickets.

The key wicket for the County will be that of former wicketkeeper/batsman Steve Davies as he makes his first return to New Road since leaving for Surrey last autumn.

Davies hit a rapid half-century for his new county in their opening match against Lancashire Lightning and the England gloveman has excelled in 40-over cricket in the last two seasons.

“Steve is a very good one-day player,” said County director of cricket Steve Rhodes. “He prov-ed that over the years for us.

“He is very good at opening the batting and he knows our bowlers well. But we know him too and hopefully we will have few tricks up our sleeves.”

Also returning to Worcestershire for the first time since making the switch to the Oval is spinner Gareth Batty.

His departure to Surrey came after a disappointing year with the County, but he has made a good start on his return to the side he came to Worcestershire from.

Rhodes is sending out an inexperienced side against the Lions, who are also expecting to include former England batsman Mark Ramprakash.

There is no Matt Mason (rib) or Alan Richardson (rested) in the Royals bowling attack.

Left-arm seamer Jack Shantry might be the player to miss out following the return of Andrew despite the 22-year-old claiming five wickets for Shrewsbury in the Birmingham League Premier Division at the weekend.

“We are still deciding who will play tomorrow,” Rhodes said. “We have had an extra two days to prepare for this game.

“Our session today was very inventive with this match in mind.

“But you do have to try and keep things simple as we play so much cricket — we are going straight to Leicester after this game for our championship match which starts tomorrow.”

Worcestershire Royals (from): Solanki (capt), Jaques, Moeen, Kervezee, Smith, Mitchell, Cameron, Scott (wkt), Andrew, Whelan, Shantry, Jones.