Worcestershire must wait on Leach's fitness

Joe Leach has taken 456 first-class wickets in 135 matches for Worcestershire

Worcestershire are hoping that former skipper Joe Leach will be fit enough to return from his ongoing knee injury for the County Championship finale in August and September.

After undergoing surgery in January, the 33-year-old new-ball specialist took 14 wickets in the Pears' first seven Championship Division One games of the season.

But he missed the two matches in June because of the same issue - and has now had an injection to help ease the condition.

“Joe has had an injection and we are waiting to see what effect that has. He’ll possibly be back for the block of games at the end of the season," said coach Alan Richardson.

"The injection has had an effect of sorts. Fingers crossed it is a good effect and he can be available but we will see how that sits. We are going to have to be patient.

"We know Joe is desperate to get out there but we will have to bide our time.”

The Pears have also been without county captain Brett D'Oliveira, who missed the last two Championship games with a frozen shoulder, as well as two of their T20 Blast matches.

With four of their 14 T20 games left, Worcestershire are bottom of their group - and are second from bottom in the Championship, five points ahead of their neighbours, winless Warwickshire, who they play at New Road in September.