WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Alan Richardson knows bowler Joe Leach "will give himself the best opportunity" to feature for the county as soon as possible following surgery on his knee last month.

Leach, who celebrates his testimonial year in 2024, is making "really nice progress" in his rehab work and the hope is that he will make a full recovery to play a pivotal role in the Worcestershire team this season. 

 "Joe went to see the specialist last week and he is making really nice progress and it is something that was expected," said Richardson.

"He has been really diligent already. Knowing Joe, and the character he is, he will be desperate to get out there and play.

"He will be doing everything he can in his powers to give him the best opportunity to be fit and be back in the mix and soon as he can.

"Really unfortunate but, if anyone is going to get injured, I’d rather they do it in the winter rather than the middle of the season.

"Joe has been looked after really well by our science and medicine team, led by Andy Powell, and I know Joe will challenge himself and push himself as much as he can to give himself the best opportunity."

Leach has finished as Worcestershire’s leading wicket-taker on six occasions and has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2025 season.