Joe Leach returned to the Worcestershire squad for crucial LV=Insurance County Championship encounter against Glamorgan at New Road which started on Sunday.

The all-rounder has been out of action since mid-May with a back problem and missed the last three Championship matches against Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Durham.

But the 31-year-old came through last week’s Second Eleven Championship match against Leicestershire at Barnt Green with no ill effects and has since put in a solid block of net bowling to prove his fitness.

Head Coach Alex Gidman admitted it was a big boost for what is an important match for the Pears.

"Really looking forward to having Joe back around," he said.

"He makes a huge difference on and off the pitch, so it’s great to have him back."

Worcestershire's hopes of promotion to Division One remain alive with seven games to go. They sit in fifth place but just 18 points off the top two so are right in the mix.

The Pears have only lost one match this season so far and Leach has played his part in what has been an encouraging start to the 2022 season.

Leach has picked up ten wickets in his three Championship appearances this season, including returns of 4-37 versus Leicestershire and 4-60 against Sussex.

He also hit a crucial 70 in the Leicestershire game at the Uptonsteel County Ground as well as 62 off the Durham attack at New Road.

Opener Ed Pollock also returns to the Championship squad after missing the drawn game with Durham at the Seat Unique Riverside two weeks ago through illness.

Assistant Coach, Alan Richardson, is keen for his side to build on the solid form they have shown.

"We have to remember all the good stuff we’ve done in the red ball competition so far, the spirit and the character we’ve shown so far in that and the skill we’ve shown," he added.

"We will come up against a good side in Glamorgan on Sunday, but we have to believe that we can keep replicating the performances we’ve put in during the red ball stuff so far."