It’s all change for Worcestershire ahead of their trip to Trent Bridge on Saturday in front of the Sky cameras.
Overseas players Martin Guptill and Travis Head have left Blackfinch New Road to take part in the Caribbean Premier League and Australia A’s tour of India respectively.
But Worcestershire have brought in strong replacements, with Callum Ferguson, who joined the Rapids earlier this season for the Royal London One-Day Cup, returning alongside new signing Wayne Parnell.
However, Rapids Head Coach Kevin Sharp was keen to highlight the contributions of the departing duo.
“Martin and Travis have now departed, and we would like to thank them for their contribution during their time at the club,” he said.
“Martin got runs in the Championship and the Blast and anyone who saw the century (off 35 balls) against Northamptonshire will remember it for many years to come.
“It was as good a demonstration of clean hitting as you are likely to see.
“Travis also made a telling contribution and learnt a lot from his first spell of county cricket although he would tell you himself he never went onto to get the really big scores he wanted.
“Now we have Callum back with us and Wayne has just arrived, and they are also two exciting additions.”
Worcestershire will be hoping that Ferguson will be able to replicate his form from the 50-over competition.
The Australian smashed the Rapids highest ever List A total of 192 against Leicestershire and also plundered an unbeaten 159 in the clash with Northants.
It’s a different story for Parnell however, who recently played for the Edmonton Royals in the Global T20 Canada competition after recovering from a shoulder injury.
But Sharp believes that both will be ready to make an impact for the Rapids.
“It’s fair to say that Callum certainly made an immediate impact,” he said.
“Those were two wonderful innings, but he also chipped in with useful runs in the opening games in the Blast.
“Wayne brings something different with being a left armer but he is also a good striker of the ball and is keen to make a big impression.
“His stats stack up well and he is a proven performer internationally in all different formats of the game.
Both Parnell and Ferguson will be available for the remainder of the T20 campaign, with the latter also signing on for four County Championship fixtures.
The Rapids have also received a boost through Moeen Ali being made available for the encounter with the Outlaws at Trent Bridge after being released by England for yesterday's win over the Jets.
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