Worcs open one-day campaign at Bristol

10:00am Saturday 19th April 2008

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WORCESTERSHIRE Royals return to Bristol tomorrow for the first time since they wrapped up the NatWest Pro40 title.

Having clinched the one-day league crown last season, there will be many expectations placed on the New Road limited overs side.

In their opening match of the Friends Provident Trophy against the Gloucestershire Gladiators tomorrow (12pm), director of cricket Steve Rhodes has named the same squad as for the LV County Championship Division Two curtain raiser at Warwickshire.

However, with injury doubts surrounding both Graeme Hick and Simon Jones, the New Road chief may draft in a late replacement.

Having missed out on the match at Edgbaston, Moeen Ali is likely to start this 50-over clash at Nevil Road.

The young batsman shone in one-day games last season, forming a devastating opening partnership with wicketkeeper Steven Davies.

But with Vikram Solanki available - he missed the tail-end of last term due to England duties - Rhodes may opt to put his skipper in the opener's spot.

Worcestershire (from): Solanki (capt), Mooen, Davies (wkt), Smith, Hick, Mitchell, Batty, Kabir, Andrew, Magoffin, Moore, Jones.