5:49pm Monday 10th August 2009
By Michael Reeves
MATT Mason has been declared fit to lead Worcestershire’s inexperienced attack into action tomorrow against Sussex at Hove in LV County Championship Division One (11am).
The veteran seamer had to be helped from the field in the 145-run NatWest Pro40 defeat at Durham with a bruised heel.
However, the Australian-born bowler sailed through his fitness test today.
“To have Matt in our side will be a massive plus given the fact that we don’t have that much experience,” said director of cricket Steve Rhodes.
“We have lost Ashley Noffke, Kabir Ali, Simon Jones and Chris Whelan so we were desperate for Matt to play.”
But Rhodes has had to deal with another injury in his bowling department after Richard Jones was ruled out of the trip to Hove.
The youngster, who has played in the last two Championship games, injured his finger in a Birmingham League match for Old Hill.
“Richard cut the top of his finger when fielding at second slip and it hasn’t healed in time for this match. But this is not going to be a long-term injury and I’m sure he will be back in contention for the next game.”
With Jones out, Rhodes has turned to quick bowler Mehraj Ahmed and the 20-year-old could be in line for his Championship debut at Sussex.
“Mehraj is someone who has the ability to bowl quick,” Rhodes said. “He is a bustly, stocky Darren Gough-type player.
“He is still learning his trade, but with Richard out this could be a good opportunity for him to show what he can do.”
Rhodes has also recalled wantaway spinner Gareth Batty for the trip south after the 31-year-old was left out of the side that lost by nine-wickets to Warwickshire in their last Championship outing.
With Worcestershire fielding an inexperienced attack, the New Road director of cricket is calling on his batsmen to step up and provide a platform at Hove.
“It’s crucial that the top six, who are all experienced players, step up to the plate and provide the runs we need,” Rhodes said.
“People like Stephen Moore are coming into form and we are going to need that against Sussex.
“We need all three disciplines performing if we are to get maximum points, but the most important thing is that we get a win.
“We had a good practice session yesterday and Imran Arif and Mehraj were bowling really well so hopefully they can take that on to the field today.”
Sussex will be without their England wicketkeeper Matt Prior after the England and Wales Cricket Board declared him unavailable following the innings and 80-run defeat in the fourth Ashes Test.
Meanwhile, Worcestershire are in action at New Road today as they face Leicestershire in the Second XI Trophy before their three-day match in the championship at County HQ.
Worcestershire (from): Mitchell, Moore, Solanki (capt), Smith, Moeen, Davies (wkt), Kervezee, Batty, Andrew, Arif, Mehraj, Mason.
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