DAVID Leatherdale is back in the firing line for Worcestershire -- 18 months after his last four-day outing.

The 37-year-old all-rounder is named in Worcestershire's side bound for Derby tomorrow after playing his last County Championship game back in September 2003.

The County will be without Zander de Bruyn because of commitments in South Africa, while Chaminda Vaas will not arrive at New Road until April 20.

Seamer Nadeem Malik is also unavailable because of injury so Leatherdale, who is still contracted as a one-day player, steps in.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Leatherdale.

"It's not a surprise because we've had this understanding in place for a couple of seasons now. It's a bit of a stop-gap I guess because the overseas signings are not yet here and we're probably a seamer light with Nadeem out.

"I've been doing all the training with the squad and the fitness is not an issue."

Tom Moody, Worcestershire's director of cricket, was just hoping to get on the field with poor weather forecast.

"That's the main thing at the start of the season, you just want to get out there," he said.

"Derbyshire are maybe not one of the strongest sides on paper but they will be hungry to make a good start to their season."

James Pipe, as expected, has won the race for the wicketkeeper's gloves by seeing off young gun Steve Davies.

"You cannot fault Pipey's preparation for the campaign and he's performed well in pre-season," added Moody.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire's new skipper Vikram Solanki believes the County's wealth of experience will help rather than hinder his leadership.

The new Worcestershire skipper takes charge of his first County game tomorrow and the England man believes the influence of former captains Graeme Hick and Ben Smith can only help him.

"I don't see it as a problem, I'm not intimidated," said Solanki.

"I actually think I'm fortunate to be taking over at a time when there are a number of ex-captains still around. All I'm expecting is a great deal of support."

Team: Peters, Moore, Hick, Smith, Solanki, Batty, Leather-dale, Kabir, Pipe, Mason, Wigley. 12th man: Davies.