Rushworth nears return to boost Warwickshire

Chris Rushworth joined Warwickshire in 2023 after spending the entirety of his career with Durham previously

Chris Rushworth has given Warwickshire an injury boost a week after leading wicket-taker Michael Booth was ruled out with a stress fracture.

The veteran seamer, 38, is nearing a return for the Bears and has been named in the squad for the Division One fixture against Hampshire at Edgbaston, starting Friday.

Rushworth, who took 53 wickets in 2023 and 13 in an interrupted campaign restricted to six outings by injury last summer, has missed the start of this season with a calf strain.

With Booth expected to be out until at least the end of July, Rushworth's return will replenish the Bears' fast bowling options if he is deemed sharp enough to start against Hampshire.

"It's good to have Rushy back in the squad," Warwickshire first-team coach Ian Westwood told the club website.

"We don't know yet if he'll play but he's going well in training, he's building back up, and has been progressing nicely with our strength and conditioning team.

"The news on Boothy came as a real blow. He's had a great start to the season, looking very sharp and has been among the wickets. He's in good hands and we hope to see him back as soon as possible."

Warwickshire have had a good start to the County Championship season with two wins and three draws putting them second in the Division One table behind Nottinghamshire.