UNBEATEN table-toppers Worcestershire welcome back Graeme Hick for their Frizzell County Championship division two match against Gloucestershire which opens at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The County's star batsman returns after being sidelined since June 8 with a broken bone in his left hand.

He suffered the injury when he was struck by a Michael Kasprowicz delivery during a National League clash against Glamorgan at Swansea.

It has forced him to endure the longest lay-off in his career.

"He's very much looking forward to getting back and getting among the runs again," said New Road director of cricket Tom Moody today.

Hick, who has missed the County's last three Championship games, becomes the latest player to come off what has been a lengthy casualty list in recent weeks.

Still ruled out, however, are reserve wicketkeeper James Pipe (eye) and paceman Chris Liptrot (back). Pipe is due to see a specialist again while Liptrot is likely to be available in a week's time.

The County, who lead the table by 17 and threequarter points, will be bidding to complete the 'double' over fourth-in-the-table Gloucestershire who were beaten by 111 runs when they visited New Road earlier this season.

Moody said: "Gloucestershire are a side that we have a very good record against over the last few years in Championship cricket -- and it's a record we want to keep intact.

"We haven't played at Cheltenham for some time and it's generally a very good cricket wicket.

"This time of the year the outfields are quick, so it's never a problem to us. With the balance of our side having quite a few shot-players in the top order runs on the board are crucial.

"And what we have got this year is an attack that has the ability to run through sides and our match against Derbyshire proved that."

The County have five wins and four draws to their credit so far this term while Gloucestershire have collected three victories, five draws and two defeats.

Worcestershire (from): Peters, Singh, Hick, Kadeer Ali, Smith, Solanki, Hall, Batty, Rhodes, Kabir Ali, Mason, Hayward.