Steve Rhodes says Worcestershire 2017 overseas player John Hastings is "raring to go" after he came through his first match action for four months with flying colours.
The Australian all-rounder sent down a combined total of 21 overs during the innings victory over Leeds-Bradford MCCU at Weetwood and picked up two first innings wickets.
It was just what the 31-year-old had been hoping for ahead of Friday's Specsavers County Championship opener with Glamorgan at the SWALEC Stadium after his winter patella tendon surgery.
Director Of Cricket Rhodes said: "Did Hastings come through as you wanted? Yes, it was great. He tried a bit of everything to make sure he used it as a proper work-out trial for his knee.
"He bowled wide of the crease, around the wicket, in good areas. He tried a bit of everything, like most of our guys did.
"But what is pleasing for him was he seems to have come through really good and I know he is raring to go."
Rhodes was also delighted with the performance of Tom Kohler-Cadmore who scored a century at Weetwood after his shoulder surgery meant he missed the pre-season trip to Abu Dhabi.
He said: "We were really pleased with Tom because in the game against Gloucestershire, he struggled in the first innings.
"He add a little bit of time at the crease in the second innings and for him to play so well at Leeds-Bradford was perfect for his continued rehabilitation.
"He has not played a lot of cricket so he is playing in the second team this week (against Somerset) and obviously there are a few other guys who would like to put their name in the hat for Cardiff.
"We've not finalised the team yet. Tom is obviously in the box seat at the moment with a really good hundred but Somerset Seconds will be tough opposition down there.
"There are a few of them who would love to be able to put their hat in the ring for Cardiff."
Rhodes confirmed that all-rounder Ed Barnard will play against Glamorgan after not featuring against Leeds-Bradford MCCU.
He said: "Ed was just given a break. Ed will play down at Cardiff. We needed to have a good look at some of the other bowlers.
"There was a real need to play the likes of Josh Tongue and John (Hastings) to get overs under their belt in their rehab."