club captain joe leach says the worcestershire players will relish the opportunity to face “some of the best players in the world” when they take on australia at New Road from wednesday to friday.
the tourists will be on a crest of a wave after completing a first test victory over england at edgbaston yesterday.
three of the victorious side in steve smith (2011), nathan lyon (2017) and travis head (2018) all played for the county while batting coach graeme hick is a worcestershire legend with more than 100 first class hundreds for the club.
leach is set to lead the side and is aware of previous battles between the sides and the longevity of the fixture.
the all-rounder said: “it should be a nice occasion for the club but also for the fans to see the australians in action.
“it is a fixture steeped in history. it is a fixture we are all aware of going back many, many decades.
“you hear the stories about sir don bradman coming here and doing well and the 1989 worcestershire team which came out on top.
“for our guys, it’s a chance they will have to pit themselves against some of the best players in the world.
“it’s also a nice opportunity to catch up with some old friends in the form of nathan lyon and travis head from recent years.
“but i know steve smith played with a few of the guys as well when he was here.
“when you see the guys who have missed out on the edgbaston test, it does make it possibly an even bigger spectacle.
“we’ve had south africa, australia and pakistan in recent years and they’ve all put out good sides.”
