Hamish Rutherford is set to make his home Vitality Blast debut for Worcestershire Rapids in today’s sold out top two encounter with Lancashire Lightning (2.30pm start).
The New Zealander batsman flew into England on Thursday to start his second spell with the County.
He was part of the team which defeat Birmingham Bears by nine wickets at Edgbaston 24 hours later but was not required to bat after the superb form of skipper Moeen Ali and Riki Wessels.
First Team Coach Alex Gidman said: “I was quite relieved about that because he got off a plane on Thursday.
“He was down to go in at four and we just sort of kept nudging him back when it looked like we had a good chance of getting over the line (at Edgbaston).
“Hopefully he gets a couple of good night’s sleep and will probably get his go (with the bat) on Sunday.”
Worcestershire will have to make one change as Martin Guptill is flying to Sri Lanka today to link up with New Zealand for three T20Is.
Skipper Moeen Ali said: “He has been good to have around and the boys love him. There is a reason why we keep bringing him back – he does well.
“He does well for us, the formula is always working. We know what he can do and what he brings to the team.”
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Rapids (from)
Wessels
Moeen Ali ©
Rutherford
Parnell
Cox (w)
Whiteley
Barnard
Mitchell
Pennington
Brown
Fell
Morris
Leach
