Worcestershire Head Coach Alan Richardson has praised an “amazing effort” from all-rounder Joe Leach in reaching 400 first class wickets for the County.
Leach completed that milestone during the LV=Insurance County Championship match with Durham when he dismissed Graham Clark – caught behind by Gareth Roderick – on the opening day at the Seat Unique Riverside.
His first scalp for Worcestershire came in August 2012 when he dismissed Lancashire keeper Graham Cross – clean bowled – at New Road when one of his team-mates was Richardson.
In those days Leach was primarily a top six batter rather than a front-line member of the attack.
But he his career gradually developed into the role he has filled with distinction as Worcestershire’s new ball and go-to bowler for many years.
He has finished as their leading wicket-taker in a season on five occasions.
Richardson said: “It is an amazing effort from Joe, his career, the journey he has been on.
“I was lucky enough to be here with Worcestershire as a player when Joe made his debut batting at number six against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
“He could bowl some fill-in overs but he has evolved his game and forged a tremendous career so far for Worcestershire and 400 wickets is really well deserved.
“Joe is prepared to put in a huge shift for the team and his stats are a huge reflection of his ability.
“There wasn’t much mention of Joe in the Derbyshire performance in the opening game of this season but I thought his spells were absolutely magnificent.
“That whole set of overs at Wayne Madsen, a huge player at Derbyshire, and to get him out eventually was fantastic to watch, and he continually caused problems to all their batters.”
