Taunton trip looks more likely for Crook

Steven Crook is unlikely make a swift return from injury in the Steelbacks’ Friends Life t20 clash with Warwickshire at the County Ground tomorrow (Friday).
Steven Crook may have to wait until Sunday to make a retrun to the Steelbacks' sideSteven Crook may have to wait until Sunday to make a retrun to the Steelbacks' side
Steven Crook may have to wait until Sunday to make a retrun to the Steelbacks' side

The Australian all-rounder cracked a finger while batting in the Championship defeat at Old Trafford a fornight ago and missed the victory over Gloucestershire last week.

But he has been included in the hosts’ 13-man squad for the encounter with the Bears and a late decision will be taken as to whether he is fit to play.

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Head coach David Ripley said: “Steven’s been included with half an eye on Sunday really.

“We want to get him involved in the group as he’s an important player for us but it is likely to be the same team as last week.”

Last week’s performance served notice that the Steelbacks should be a force in the competition this time around following a pair of dismal campaigns and Ripley has called for a similar level of effort.

He continued: “We’ve been playing some good cricket and it doesn’t take you that long to take your eye off the ball and be brought back down to earth.

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“We need to keep up the same level of intensity and oomph in our fielding which has been really good.

“The forecast is good and hopefully there will be a decent crowd in for what should be a good game.”

The visitors suffered defeat to Glamorgan on Wednesday evening but Ripley expects them to bounce back in determined fashion.

“They’ve had a few injuries and their results haven’t been as they would like but I think they’ll be improved from in midweek,” he said.

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“They’re one of the biggest clubs and are normally a good side and we always expect them to provide tough opposition.”

Once again there is no place for the experienced duo of David Sales and James Middlebrook and Nottinghamshire spinner Graeme White, whose loan spell runs out on Sunday, will again feature.

Steelbacks from : Levi, Coetzer, C White, Wakely, Willey, Spriegel, Hall, Murphy, G White, Daggett, Azharullah, Crook, Keogh.