South African duo set to return

5 August 2008

Jacques du Toit is available again for Leicestershire

South African all-rounder Dillon du Preez could return to first-class action for Leicestershire against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham in Division Two of the LV County Championship.

The 26-year-old has been suffering with a foot injury of late but struck 107 from 65 balls on Sunday as the Foxes lost to Yorkshire by one one in Division Two of the NatWest Pro40.

Leicestershire have no other injury worries with South African batsman Jacques du Toit in contention again.

They will, however, be without wicketkeeper Tom New and batsman James Taylor. New has joined Derbyshire on a month’s loan and Taylor is in the England Under-19 one-day squad.

Gloucestershire captain Jon Lewis could return from a side strain although Marcus North could lead the side again if Lewis is not deemed fit.

Batsman Chris Taylor could also play after missing Sunday’s NatWest Pro40 defeat to Nottinghamshire with a back problem.

However, Gloucestershire are without Alex Gidman who is being rested. Fellow batsman Craig Spearman is playing again after suffering a broken cheekbone in June but is not ready for a first-team return.