Worcestershire Strengthen Squad

Worcestershire has brought in seam bowler James Hartshorn for the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old, who has honed his skills in England playing for Sussex league side Middleton, joins the team amid a spate of injuries.

Nathan Smith, another New Zealand player, had to cut his stint short due to a hamstring injury and return home, while Matthew Waite remains sidelined.

However, the Pears will have captain Brett D'Oliveira available for Thursday's crucial bottom-of-the-table clash against Kent. The team is also awaiting an update on the fitness of former captain Joe Leach, while Adam Finch has opted to delay knee surgery until the season's end. Hartshorn, a teammate of Smith's at Wellington in New Zealand, has taken 19 wickets in 11 first-class matches so far.

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson described Hartshorn's addition as a flexible arrangement, noting that Hartshorn has been performing well with Middleton Cricket Club in Sussex. Richardson acknowledged the team's injury struggles and expressed that Hartshorn now has the chance to step in and contribute.