Worcestershire county cricket preview: Signings, released players, fixtures, predictions
EXPRESS SPORT is previewing the county cricket season which starts tomorrow and Worcestershire are the next team under the spotlight.
Worcestershire captain Joe Leach is important with ball and bat in all formats
Worcestershire
Last season
CC D2- 3rd
RLODC- quarter-final, lost to Somerset
T20- group stage, 8th.
New signings
None
Players out
Chris Russell (released)
John Hastings is a top overseas signing for Worcestershire
The best possible scenario is John Hastings manages to be available for the first game of the season in April
Overseas stars
John Hastings (Aus) – all formats
Mitchell Santner (NZ)- T20
Club captain
Joe Leach
Key man
Daryl Mitchell – the former captain has been Worcestershire’s most consistent performer for several years and his runs are vital to their success in all formats.
England radar
Joe Clarke – already a regular for the England Lions, Clarke could be the answer to England’s middle order woes in Test cricket.
Young gun
Tom Kohler-Cadmore – the batsman is not new off the block but his explosive hitting is definitely something to keep an eye on this season.
This season's predictions
CCD2- 7th
RLODC- group stage
T20 Blast- group stage
Worcestershire batsman Joe Clarke has impressed for England Lions
John Hastings being fit for the start of the campaign is a huge bonus for the Pears but a lot will depend on his fitness throughout the season.
They have some exciting batting talent in their squad and Mitchell Santner returning to the fold should help them challenge.
Limited overs cricket may be a struggle this season as there are some strong sides in the North groups but don't rule them out in the T20 Blast.
First fixture
CCD2- Glamorgan away, Friday 14th April
RLODC- Nottinghamshire home, Thursday 27th April
T20 Blast- Warwickshire home, Friday 7th July