All systems go
Source -
leicestermercury.co.uk
All-rounder Ottis Gibson has been passed fit to take his place in the Leicestershire Foxes side to face the Somerset Sabres at the Brit Oval.
All-rounder Ottis Gibson has been passed fit to take his place in the Leicestershire Foxes side to face Somerset Sabres in tomorrow afternoon's Twenty20 Cup semi-final at The Brit Oval.
Last week's long haul to Scarborough and Edinburgh left the strike bowler with niggling back and hamstring injuries, ruling him out of the Championship fixture with Essex at Grace Road.
However, after rest and treatment, he will line up against the Sabres - a major boost for the Foxes because Gibson is not only a vital part of their bowling attack but can also provide quick, useful runs with his powerful hitting.
"Ottis is going well," said director of cricket James Whitaker. "I'm pleased that he is in the side because not only is he important with bat and ball, he also gives us experience."
That means the Foxes should be at full strength tomorrow, with the exception of batsman John Sadler, who was ruled out earlier in the week with a broken collar-bone.
Young batsman James Allenby looks set to continue in his place as he did for the quarter-final win over Middlesex, while Dinesh Mongia replaces Chris Rogers.
Wicketkeeper/batsman Tom New will also travel south while the 13-strong party is completed by seam bowler David Brignull.
Whitaker acknowledged that the loss of Sadler was a blow but he said that it was something they had overcome in the previous round.
He said: "It is disappointing for John. He has played an important role through the group stages.
"But it also gives James an opportunity to show what he is made of.''
Meanwhile skipper HD Ackerman refuses to look any further than the semi-final against a strong Sabres side, boosted by the availability of England opener Marcus Trescothick.
"We have worked really hard in getting to this stage and have played some very good cricket. Everybody is looking forward to it,'' said Ackerman. "But our motto in the competition this season has been one game at a time and that is the way we will be looking at it tomorrow.'
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