The Worcestershire Rapids have managed to secure the services of Sikandar Raza for the entire Vitality Blast competition. This comes as the team continues to adopt a spin-heavy approach for the 2026 season. Raza will join the team as a replacement for Australian seamer Ben Dwarshuis, who has been released from his contract owing to commitments mandated by Cricket Australia.
This development indicates that Worcestershire is set to make a serious bid for T20 Blast Finals Day, which the team has not participated in for the last seven years.
Why Sikandar Raza Replaces Ben Dwarshuis
Ben Dwarshuis was also expected to return after last season’s impressive Blast performance, where he took 18 wickets and also contributed with the bat in the lower order. However, his return was put into doubt after being selected by the IPL side Punjab Kings, who are coached by Ricky Ponting. He was subsequently withdrawn by Cricket Australia from his county loan.
Although Sikandar Raza is not a direct replacement for Ben Dwarshuis, as he changes the balance from pace to spin, his all-round abilities are a huge strength for Worcestershire in English T20 conditions.
Spin-Focused Strategy at New Road
It is evident that Worcestershire are planning to have a spin-heavy attack in this year’s Vitality Blast. Alongside Sikandar Raza, Worcestershire will have the following spinners in their squad:
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Usama Mir – Leg-spinner from Pakistan on a long-term overseas contract
Fateh Singh – Former England Under-19s left-arm spinner
These three form one of the most formidable spin attacks in the tournament, especially designed for home conditions at New Road. Raza’s mystery spin and middle-order batting skills make him an invaluable asset in today’s T20 cricket.
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Sikandar Raza’s T20 Experience in England
This will not be the first time that Sikandar Raza has been involved with English domestic cricket. He has previously played for Northamptonshire in the 2024 Blast and also played for Manchester Originals in The Hundred in the same year.
Stating how excited he is to be a part of Worcestershire Rapids, Raza said, “I am thrilled to be joining Worcestershire Rapids and to be returning to a T20 competition that I enjoy so much. I have enjoyed my previous experiences playing in England and look forward to becoming a part of the team.”
Worcestershire’s Quest for T20 Revival
Worcestershire won the Vitality Blast in 2018 and were runners-up in 2019. However, the team has struggled to match that success in recent years, reaching the quarter-finals only once in the last six years.
Alan Richardson, head coach of Worcestershire, highlighted the need to bring in a player with international experience like Raza. He said that since Dwarshuis is not available, the team wanted to bring in a cricketer who has the ability to affect matches with both bat and ball.
Sikandar Raza, with his impressive T20 record and experience as the captain of the Zimbabwe national team, will help Worcestershire regain its position as a serious contender.
County Cricket Updates: Leicestershire and Kent Moves
Leicestershire Replace Keshav Maharaj with Ajaz Patel. Leicestershire is also affected by international developments as South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj is ruled out due to workload restrictions enforced by Cricket South Africa. The team has signed New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel as a replacement.
Kent Re-Sign Tom Rogers and Secure Zak Crawley
Kent has confirmed that Australian fast bowler Tom Rogers will return for his third consecutive Blast campaign. Rogers is currently recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last July but is expected to fight for one of the two overseas spots alongside South Africa’s Keith Dudgeon and Senuran Muthusamy.
Zak Crawley has also extended his contract with Kent until 2026 after signing a rolling one-year deal, which is in line with his England contract that expires in October.
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