WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids captain Moeen Ali will make his first senior appearance since the 2019 competition in today’s opening Vitality Blast against reigning champions Notts Outlaws at New Road (5.30pm start).

The England all-rounder is available for the start of the tournament in which he made key contributions during the 2018 title triumph and when finishing runners-up 12 months later.

Rapids Head Coach Alex Gidman is delighted to call upon 33-year-old Moeen’s services in a game being televised live on Sky Sports.

He said: “Mo is a world-class player, and he would benefit any team when he is around.

“He loves playing for Worcestershire, and he strengthens us as a group.”

New overseas signings; Australian left-arm paceman Ben Dwarshuis and New Zealand leg spinner Ish Sodhi, are included in the 14 strong squad.

The Pears have had little time to practice for the white ball tournament after nine weeks of back-to-back LV=Insurance County Championship action.

But many of the squad – including Moeen and Dwarshuis – did play in the Seconds T20 match against a strong Gloucestershire line-up at Kidderminster.

Gidman said: “It was an excellent work-out which is exactly what we needed. It has been a tight turnaround from Championship cricket to the Blast.

“To have a good game against some good opposition was perfect.

“It’s a great competition. Everyone enjoys playing in it, and everyone enjoys watching it. It will be nice to have a whole competition, unlike last year, and get cracking again.

“We are looking forward to it; I know our group of players is very talented, and I’m sure they are chomping at the bit to perform individually and as a collective.”