One-Day Cup Preview | Worcestershire v Gloucestershire
9 August 2023
Gloucestershire get the chance to bounce back from Metro Bank One-Day Cup defeat at Edgbaston earlier this week when they play Worcestershire at New Road on Thursday.
The sides have matching records in this year’s competition, winning their first two games before succumbing to defeat in the third. A win for either side would keep them firmly in the hunt for a qualification spot from Group B.
Team news
Fourteen players make the trip to Worcester, with Ireland international Harry Tector returning to the fold. Harry will also be available for selection against Somerset on Sunday.
Seamer Josh Shaw could return to the side after replacing Ajeet Singh Dale (thigh) in the squad.
Your 14-player Gloucestershire squad to face Worcestershire:
James Bracey*, Zaman Akhter, Anwar Ali, Zafar Gohar, Joe Phillips, Ollie Price, Tom Price, Josh Shaw, Tom Smith, Jack Taylor, Harry Tector, Graeme van Buuren, Paul van Meekeren, Ben Wells.
Last time out
After two wins in two at the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, Gloucestershire came unstuck against Warwickshire on Monday, losing by eight wickets to the Birmingham side.
Jack Taylor’s half-century was the only score of note after Warwickshire won the toss and took advantage of favourable bowling conditions at the start of proceedings.
The Shire will hope to rediscover their Cheltenham form for Thursday’s match, knowing a win could take them back to the top of Group B.
Our opponents
Worcestershire also got off to a flyer in the 50-over format beating Durham and Glamorgan in their opening two fixtures. Somerset, however, humbled the Rapids last time out as James Rew hit a second career List A century to steer the Taunton side to a 36-run win.
Currently sitting second in Group B, Worcestershire have discovered a penchant for bowling sides out in this year’s competition. 29 wickets from a possible 30 demonstrates wicket-taking potential across their attack.
Last meeting
Gloucestershire fell victim to the rain in the last meeting between the sides as a revised target of 94 in 11 overs was not reached, Glos losing by 11 runs.
Despite that defeat, Gloucestershire qualified from the group stage in 2021, coming unstuck against Surrey in the quarter-final.
Survivors from the fixture two years ago, Graeme van Buuren, Jack Taylor, Ben Wells, Tom Smith and Josh Shaw, will hope to claim the points this time.
How to watch
Gloucestershire face Worcestershire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup beginning on Thursday 10 August at New Road, Worcester.
The game will be streamed live in the Glos Cricket Match Centre. Coverage begins at 10:40.