T20 Blast bite-size preview: Worcestershire Rapids
Last year, as the Royals, they did not impress and failed to reach the knock-out stages, finishing fifth out of six teams in the Midlands/Wales/West division, losing six games out of 10.
<b>Brief Overview:</b> The Rapids have been the talk of the circuit ahead of the tournament, from their name change (are there rapids in Worcestershire?) to the all-encompassing love everyone has for batting all-rounder Moeen Ali, 'The beard that's feared'.
Last year, as the Royals, they did not impress and failed to reach the knock-out stages, finishing fifth out of six teams in the Midlands/Wales/West division, losing six games out of 10.
<b>Venue:</b> New Road in Worcester is the county's main ground, though Kiddiminster is used on occasion, though not for this tournament. Here's hoping the rain stays away on the weekends.
<b>Batsman To Watch:</b> England newby Moeen Ali, and fan favourite amongst the facial hair obsessives, is an all-rounder these days, with his spin bowling a big part of the reason for his national call-up. But his batting sees him able to slot in from one to seven, and he's been in good nick in the Championship so far this season.
<b>Bowler To Watch:</b>
Fan favourite Jack Shantry is the local bowler to keep an eye on, with his reliable medium pace making him tricky to get away. He took the most wickets for the club in last year's contest, at an average just over 25.
<b>Overseas Signings:</b> Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal is gracing the Rapids with his presence for part of the tournament, and he will be a valuable asset as the Rapids have shored up their bowling stocks. The world's premier spinner is also joined by New Zealander Mitchell McClenaghan, the Black Caps' T20 player of the year, while Kiwi batsman Colin Munro is also on the books.
<b>Know Your Mascot:</b> The Rapids' new mascot, Nile the Crocodile, was been in the media the most in the build-up. How on earth he arrived in the wilds of England from the banks of an African river is beyond us, but he seems a snappy dresser and has a toothy grin ready for the kids.
<b>Cricket365's Prediction:</b> Ninth in North Division.
Latest
-
NewsThis winter’s Ashes series will go ahead, says Australia captain Tim Paine
Joe Root has refused to fully commit to the tour, with the first Test scheduled for December 8.
-
NewsWarwickshire land glorious domestic double with Bob Willis Trophy win
Bears see of Lancashire with ease.
-
NewsIreland batter Paul Stirling cannot wait for the Men’s T20 World Cup
The explosive opener is excited for Ireland to once more test themselves against the best.
-
NewsEngland’s postponed tour of Holland rearranged for next June
England last faced the Dutch during the 2014 World Cup where they suffered a shock defeat.
-
NewsWill Rhodes and Rob Yates hit centuries as Warwickshire dominate Lancashire
Matt Parkinson was rewarded for his toil on a placid pitch with three wickets.
-
NewsJos Buttler against going to Australia without family as he awaits Ashes clarity
Buttler is preparing to fly to the United Arab Emirates next week for the Twenty20 World Cup.
-
NewsECB is braced for ‘more challenging discussions’ over Ashes tour
ECB chair Ian Watmore admitted there are more hurdles to be cleared after last week receiving the latest update from Cricket Australia.
-
NewsWarwickshire dominate first day at Lord’s as Lancashire collapse
Craig Miles took five wickets and the Red Rose were 12 for six before reaching 78, with the Bears 120 without loss in reply.
-
NewsJoe Root ‘desperate’ to play in Ashes but admits he is unable to commit yet
Root and his England team-mates are still in the dark about the exact conditions of entry into Australia.
-
NewsJoe Root ‘very grateful’ to win men’s player of the year at PCA awards
Eve Jones became the first female domestic professional to claim a PCA award when she was named cinch women’s player of the year.