Worcestershire have received more positive injury news with all-rounder Matthew Waite in line to return to bowling in the New Year after missing the end of last season with a groin setback.
Head Coach Alan Richardson confirmed Waite is working closely with Andy Powell, Head of Sports Science and Medicine, and Zak Bess, Strengthening and Conditioning Coach, during the winter to ensure he is fit for the start of the 2024 season.
It follows on from Richardson being optimistic Club Captain, Brett D’Oliveira, will be available to lead the side at the start of their Division One campaign in the County Championship after his shoulder injury.
Waite made a big impact in his first full season at New Road after a successful loan spell the previous summer.
The ex Yorkshire player scored 565 first class runs, with one century and three fifties, to finish third in the Worcestershire averages at 35.31.
He also chipped in with 26 wickets as predominantly a first or second change member of the attack.
Waite is to remain with Worcestershire throughout the close season after spending six weeks last winter undertaking warm weather training in Cape Town.
Richardson said: “Matty is doing lots and lots of batting at the moment, which is great, something he really wants to work on.
“Himself, and Andy Powell and Zak Bess are working really hard to make sure he is back bowling in the New Year which is a nice little step up for him.
“This winter he is going to stay with us and, because of the workload he had last year and the injury he finished with, Andy Powell is really keen to spend a good five months with him here and making sure he is back up and ready for the start of the season.”