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Pace bowler Matt Mason is poised to make his first-team return for Worcestershire after 10 months on the injury list.

MATT Mason will make his first-class Worcestershire comeback tomorrow as the County take on Loughborough University Centre of Cricketing Excellence at Chester Road North (11am).

The Australian-born seamer has been out for 10 months after having two shoulder operations in the space of a year-and-a-half.

After months of rehabilitation, working with England Lions bowling coach Kevin Shine and two second XI matches, the 34-year-old will make his long-awaited return.

"He is looking forward to it more than anybody," said director of cricket Steve Rhodes. "Matt has spent a long time trying to get himself right. He has looked better each time he has bowled in the nets and he is ready for a first-team appearance and this game is an ideal opportunity.

"The problem that Matt has had recently is a lack of muscle memory, he has been protecting his shoulder in his action and has been falling a little bit short and he has had to go away and remember how to extend his bowling action again."

Rhodes has decided to rest Simon Jones and Graeme Hick as they both return from their respective injuries, while Kabir Ali is out with a hamstring strain in a team that will be captained by Gareth Batty.

Jones made his County home debut on Bank Holiday Monday in the Friends Provident Trophy against his former county Glamorgan after picking up a neck injury in the opening match of the season at Warwickshire.

Hick has been out since that trip to Edgbaston after having an elbow operation and has been given extra time to recuperate.

"Graeme is okay, he felt his elbow was not quite right for this game and that is fine by me," said Rhodes. "It's better he has a few extra days to get right for the big games.

"Hopefully he will be fit for Sunday but we will know more nearer the time."

The County go into the Loughborough match on the back of their first win of the season against Glamorgan in a reduced overs Trophy game.

Having had three LVCC Division Two matches spoilt by the weather and a no-result before Monday in the FPT, there was plenty of relief in the New Road dressing room.

"The lads were desperate for the win because you want to see some reward for your hard work. They feel relieved," added Rhodes.

Worcestershire: Mitchell, Moore, Moeen, Smith, Kervezee, Davies (wkt), Batty (capt), Andrew, Whelan, Mason, Mehraj.

5:25pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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