Matt Mason played only one game for the county last season

Worcestershire will have Matt Mason back in the line-up for Thursday's County Championship game against Northamptonshire.

Mason missed almost the whole of last season following shoulder surgery and director of cricket Steve Rhodes said he was glad to see him back in action.

"Matt's worked really hard to get back," Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"He's been playing second team, and he needed those overs under his belt."

Mason replaces Steve Magoffin, who has returned to Australia, and Worcestershire have been frustrated in their efforts to find another overseas players.

Gareth Batty also returns to the Worcestershire line-up after missing the win at Leicester.