ANDREW Hall has been ruled out of Worcestershire Royals' totesport League Division Two match against leaders Leicestershire Foxes at Oakham School tomorrow.

The South African is not being risked after being sidelined recently with back trouble.

He took a step on the comeback trail on Thursday by playing for a combined Worcestershire and Somerset side against Derbyshire at Repton School. The all-rounder scored 35 but was only able to bowl three overs before the match was washed out by rain.

New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said: "We're looking to him being available for next week's Championship match against Kent."

Paceman Kabir Ali will come in for his first league appearance of the season following his recent return to action after recovering from an operation to cure a double hernia.

The County have yet to finalise their team, but are unlikely to make many changes from the side which comfortably beat Somerset by eight wickets in the C &G Trophy last Saturday.