Richardson blow for Worcestershire

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Alan Richardson accounts for Surrey's Jacques Rudolph at New Road last week. The seamer picked up a shoulder injury later in the match and now faces at least two weeks on the sidelines

Worcestershire will be without talismanic seamer Alan Richardson for at least a fortnight after he suffered a shoulder tear.

Richardson, who turned 37 last weekend and was recently named as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year, picked up the injury in the drawn LV= County Championship encounter with Surrey at New Road.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester: “He’s unfortunately got a tear there and he’s going to be at least two weeks, possibly three weeks.

“It’s sad news for Worcestershire and sad news for Alan as well, who has been such a wonderful performer for us.”

Richardson was the leading wicket-taker in the top-flight last year and has already picked up 26 first-class scalps this season.

“He bowls a lot of overs for us, Alan, and he will be missed, but it will give someone else a chance to impress,” added Rhodes.

“The guys who come in will, I’m sure, do a very good job.”

There is some positive news on the injury front for the Pears ahead of their next championship match against Sussex, with all-rounder Gareth Andrew on the verge of a return following knee surgery.

“Fingers crossed we may well have Gareth Andrew in our squad,” revealed Rhodes.

“He may well play and, if that is the case, that will be fantastic. He had a terrific season last year and we’re just desperate to get him back in the side.”

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