BOWLING coach Matt Mason says he is excited about what Mitchell McClenaghan brings to the Worcestershire team.

The New Zealand paceman is named in a 12-man squad for today’s Division Two clash against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham (11am).

Unbeaten leaders Worcestershire, who also include spinner Brett D’Oliveira, are aiming for a fourth successive Championship win after defeating Leicestershire twice and Glamorgan.

It will be McClenaghan’s first taste of four-day cricket for his new team after making his debut in Friday’s 31-run NatWest T20 Blast victory at Northamptonshire, taking a wicket.

His inclusion as the overseas player in place of Saeed Ajmal means Worcestershire have a four-man pace attack with Jack Shantry, Charlie Morris and Joe Leach all having made significant contributions this season.

Mason said: “Mitch does bring something different. The other three seamers are quite similar in what they try and do so Mitch is different to them.

“I think it is important to exploit that. I’ve been on the receiving end of a few sessions from him with the ball when I’ve been taking the nets in the mornings and I’m excited to watch him bowl.

“He’s got the raw pace and aggression and I think he will be a great attribute to our four day side as well as our T20.

“He’s got some great ideas, knows his game and we are looking forward to unleashing him on a few people.”

Worcestershire (from): Mitchell, Oliver, Fell, Kervezee, Kohler-Cadmore, Cox, Leach, Choudhry, Shantry, Morris, McClenaghan, D’Oliveira.