Team update: LV=CC Gloucestershire v Worcestershire
15 August 2014
New Zealand Test player Mark Craig made his Gloucestershire debut in the LV=County Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road, starting today.
The 27-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, who took eight wickets on his Test debut against West Indies this summer, replaced Michael Klinger, who was forced to miss the game because of a neck problem.
Mark Craig has been training with Gloucestershire in preparation for a New Zealand A tour to this country and was registered in time to play his first game in county cricket.
Will Gidman joined Klinger in missing the match, having battled against some niggling fitness problems in recent weeks. Both players are expected to be fit for the final Royal London One-Day Cup group match against Derbyshire at Derby next Thursday.
Physiotherapist Steve Griffin told this website: “Michael Klinger has a neck stiffness which we expect to have resolved fully by next week’s Royal London One Day Cup match.
“Will Gidman will also be rested for the Championship match. Will has a couple of on-going niggles that will benefit from a rest.”
Alex Gidman, took over as captain from Michael Klinger, won the toss and invited Worcestershire to bat first.
Mark Craig, who plays for Otago, is a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler. He played for Gloucestershire second XI last week. He has made three Test Match appearances for New Zealand.
Gloucestershire: C.Dent, W.Tavare, A.Gidman (capt), H.Marshall, I.Cockbain, G.Roderick (wkt), B.Howell, M.Craig, C.Miles, L.Norwell, D,Payne.
