KABIR Ali returns to first team action tomorrow when table-topping Worcestershire Royals take on Yorkshire Phoenix in a crucial Norwich Union League Division One clash at New Road (1pm).

The County hope the young paceman will be firing on all cylinders again after resting him for their Frizzell County Championship Division Two match with Northamptonshire.

Kabir had been feeling the effects of a hectic first half of the season in which he has reeled in an impressive haul of 47 first-class wickets.

He has also collected 13 scalps in the Norwich Union League.

Tomorrow will be the last appearance for popular paceman Andy Bichel who is returning to Australia for international duties.

His replacement, 28-year-old Aussie all-rounder Shane Lee, is expected to make his County debut in the following Norwich Union League game against Glamorgan Dragons at New Road next Sunday (August 4).

The County expect a bumper crowd tomorrow for what will be their first limited-over outing since being knocked out of the Cheltenham & Gloucestershire Trophy by a four-wicket semi-final defeat against Somerset at Taunton.

They remain four points clear of Warwickshire Bears in the Norwich Union League while Yorkshire are eight points adrift in third spot with a game in hand over the top two.

County Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: "The Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy defeat is well and truly buried now. That was obviously a disappointment but we have reflected on it and have moved on very quickly.

"We know we are in a strong position in the league and as a team we want to maintain that and we have got a good opportunity against Yorkshire to press on.

"Yorkshire, though, have some very good players. They are a dangerous side. We recognise that and we need to make sure we are playing at our best."

The County will be bidding to complete a league 'double' having beaten The Tykes by six wickets in a low scoring clash at Headingley last month.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire's County Championship game against Nottinghamshire at Kidderminster will start at 12 noon on the opening day, Thursday, August 8.

This is due to the floodlit League game with Notts taking place at New Road the previous day.

The time will be made up by adding half an hour to each of the first two days' finishing times.

Worcs (from): Peters, Solanki, Hick, Smith, Leatherdale, Batty, Bichel, Rhodes, Kabir Ali, Lampitt, Mason, Rawnsley.