County hit as Jaques flies out to Australia

Overseas ace Jaques has returned to Australia 'for family reasons' and will not return until Saturday, June 30 - thus missing the away matches against Northants and Gloucestershire as well as the home dates with Warwickshire and Northants.

As well as missing the left-handed opener, Steve Rhodes will have to make do without loan bowler Kyle Hogg, who has been recalled by injury-hit Lancashire, and paceman Matt Mason, who still does not have a return date on his shoulder problem.

One positive for Worcestershire, who decided it wasn't worth replacing Jaques for such a short period of time, is that all-rounder Roger Sillence is fit to resume - a player who is well suited to the Twenty20 format.

He will take his place in a Worcerstershire squad who start the competition tomorrow evening away to Northamptonshire (5.30pm).

New Road chief executive Mark Newton said: "It has not been the greatest of early seasons for us and Phil having to go back to Australia has come as a big blow "Its the old story that when it is for family reasons, there is no other choice to make and we'll miss him for four games.

"It was disappointing that Kyle was recalled by Lancashire because he has fitted in really well in the dressing room during his time here.

"But Lancashire have got injury problems with Dominic Cork and Glen Chapple so they've got every right to call Kyle back. However, this will provide a good opportunity for the youngsters to come in and stake their claim - Moeen Ali in particular, but Daryl Mitchell, Dewald Nel and the others could get some games too.

"It is a good opportunity for them, but at the same time we desperately wanted to do well in this competition having only ever got as far as the quarter-finals in the past."

Worcestershire (from): Solanki, Hick, Moeen Ali, Smith, Davies, Batty, Sillence, Kabir Ali, Price, Bollinger, Moore, Malik, Mitchell, Nel.