WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids step up their preparations for the 2018 Vitality Blast on Monday with all of the squad involved in the Second XI T20 double-header against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.

The players will focus fully on the short format for the next three weeks with six Blast matches before the next Championship match against Somerset at Blackfinch New Road from July 22.

The opening Blast match is against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford on Thursday followed 24 hours later by the home clash with Birmingham Bears which is a general admission sell-out.

Worcestershire's players were given some days off by head coach Kevin Sharp last week to rest following a busy schedule.