JOE Leach is hoping for pacier pitches during 2017 when the new 'toss' rule is enforced for a second successive season in the Specsavers County Championship.

The new Worcestershire captain was in favour of the change brought in by the ECB last summer whereby the away team has the option of bowling first.

The all-rounder still found a way in the more batsman friendly conditions to pick up 65 Championship wickets.

But in general the 26-year-old would like to see more pace in the surfaces around the country.

Leach said: "I liked the principals behind the change. It made batting easier and I agree with the reasoning behind it.

"But in general we had some pitches which were devoid of any pace at times and that needs to be addressed going forward.

"If you want that rule to change so things fall in line with Test cricket, there needs to be more pace in pitches.

"I suppose it was a finding out year for groundsmen, captains, bowlers and batters. I am in favour of it because the reasons for it are right.

"But for me, whichever way we can produce good cricket wickets where good cricketers, who perform well, do well, is better than having contrived results and contrived figures because of what wickets people are producing.

"Let's produce the best wickets we can and good cricketers will rise to the top and the good teams will rise to the top as well."