Injury hits Worcestershire's overseas stars

Worcestershire could go into tomorrow's game against Warwickshire at Headingley without both of their overseas players.

The South African allrounder, Andrew Hall, remains sidelined by the back injury he suffered in a National League game against Durham over a week ago. Scans of the injury were inconclusive, but Hall had been confident of a swift return.

It also seems likely that the Australian fast bowler Andy Bichel will miss his second successive Championship game. He sat out Worcestershire's innings win over Gloucestershire with a groin problem, and faces a late fitness test before tomorrow's match.

"I have got every confidence in this squad of players, and we have still managed to put some good performances together without those two," said Tom Moody, Worcestershire's coach, who remains confident that his team has the strength and depth to cope with the loss.

Worcester will also be without the England fast bowler Kabir Ali, who is still recovering from a double hernia operation.