Andrew injury adds to Worcs woe

Gareth Andrew pulled out of the game at Trent Bridge after a back spasm

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is hoping for a quick end to his pace bowling problems.

Rhodes was deprived of five quickies for Sunday's FP Trophy defeat by Notts.

Already without Kabir Ali, Simon Jones and Mehraj Ahmed, Ashley Noffke has aggravated a hip problem and Gareth Andrew was also out with a back spasm.

"Gareth's late pull-out put a lot of pressure on the other guys," said Rhodes. "We are hoping he and Ashley are fit for Leicestershire on Tuesday."

Rhodes admitted that it was a freak pre-match injury which sidelined Andrew, forcing Rhodes to recall Imran Arif, who proved his side's tidiest bowler, sending down seven overs for just 23.

"Gareth went into back spasm in the fielding warm-up very close to the start of the game," Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "And that left us with five men out.

THE QUINTET OF INJURED QUICKIES

Simon Jones - knee surgery

Kabir Ali - hamstring

Mehraj Ahmed

Gareth Andrew - back spasms

Ashley Noffke - recurrence of hip problem

"He is a big part of our one-day set-up. He played all the games last year, can strike a ball and has a very powerful arm in the field.

"But it was good to see Imran Arif come in and do well. I want competition for places."

After their first Group A defeat at Trent Bridge, to stand second in the table behind Notts at halfway, Worcestershire now face their final four qualifying matches in the space of nine days.

Three of them are at home, Tuesday's meeting with Leicestershire (12 May, 1045 BST) being followed by the visit of Hampshire on Thursday (14 May, 1045 BST) and Ireland next Wednesday (20 May, 1045 BST).

Rhodes' men also go to Grace Road on Saturday (16 May, 1045 BST) to face Leicestershire.

Full ball-by-ball commentary on Worcestershire v Leicestershire in the Friends Provident Trophy on BBC Hereford and Worcester, on 104 fm and on line.