Batty dropped for derby clash

Worcestershire spinner Gareth Batty will look to regain his form in the second XI

Worcestershire have left out Gareth Batty for their LV= County Championship Division One clash against local rivals Warwickshire.

The off-spinner, who has been named in England’s provisional 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in September, will instead play for the club’s second XI against Surrey in a bid to regain form in the four-day game.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes told ecb.co.uk: “Unfortunately Gareth’s not had the season he would like in four-day cricket with bat or ball, so we’re hoping he can get some runs and wickets under his belt in the second team game to push his way back into the first team.

“His one-day form, especially with the ball, has been very good this year. It’s just been the four-day format and we think it’s probably time for a change after the run of form he has had.

“Alexei Kervezee will come in and bat seven. He is a good young player and he’s just come off the back of a second-team hundred so he’ll be feeling confident going into the game.

“It will also mean a little bit more bowling for Moeen Ali, so it will be a good opportunity for him to impress.”

Seamer Chris Whelan also misses out for Worcestershire through injury, with Imran Arif earning a recall.

Rhodes added: “Chris has got a little side strain which we don’t know the extent of just yet.

"We couldn’t put a figure on how long it will be but he’s due to have a scan very shortly.

“His place will be taken by Imran Arif, and he took 10 wickets in the last second-team game so he will also be full of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Rhodes is hoping fast bowler Kabir Ali will be fit to return in around three of four weeks

He revealed: “Kabir’s had injections in his old stress fractures in his back which were giving him a little bother.

“It will mean initial rest in the first week followed by more extensive training and then in week three we’ll be building up his bowling workload.”

Warwickshire make one change to the side that drew with Hampshire last time out.

All-rounder Neil Carter comes in for Ian Bell, who is on England duty, as both promoted sides chase their first championship victories of the season.