Worcestershire included injured batter Rob Jones in their starting XI and made him bat at No. 11 during their 2025 One-Day Cup match against Essex on Sunday (August 10).
Jones had reportedly declared himself unfit ahead of Worcestershire's second fixture of the season against Essex at Chelmsford. Despite this, he was included in the XI and emerged to bat at the fall of the ninth wicket after Worcestershire opted to bat first.
Notably, his appearance at No.11 contrasted sharply with his usual batting position – he had batted at No.3 in Worcestershire's season opener against Nottinghamshire on August 7, scoring 7 off 17 balls. This prompted confusion. "It's baffling to see him this low down the order – perhaps something changed in the dressing room," said one of the commentators.
Coming in to bat at 331-9 with three balls left in the innings, Jones edged his first ball past the keeper for four off Shane Snater. He pushed the next delivery to the off side for a single. He was running gingerly – not at full tilt – suggesting that not all was okay with his fitness.
Also read: One-Day Cup 2025: How did India and Pakistan players fare in the first week?
Worcestershire posted 340-9, with Kashif Ali top-scoring with 80. However, they subbed out both Jones and Kashif during their total defence, confirming injury concerns. Jack Home and Tom Hinley came on as replacements.
Essex have started strongly in response.
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) August 10, 2025
Both Kashif and Rob are struggling with injury so Tom Hinley and Jack Home will field.
Essex 51/0 (6.3 overs) pic.twitter.com/zVbTdea5xr
Worcestershire's inclusion of Jones in the XI at the toss despite his reported injury caused confusion, though it was later attributed to an "administrative error".
Essex began their chase strongly with a 71-run opening stand in 11 overs. Ben Allison broke through for Worcestershire by dismissing Matt Critchley for 28. Robin Das, who had scored the majority of runs in the opening stand, fell soon after for a 50-ball 51, leaving Essex at 92-2. Ethan Brookes gave the visiting team the breakthrough this time.
Brookes struck twice more later in the match – removing Simon Fernandes (17) in the 35th over and Noah Thain (28) in the 37th. Essex were eventually bowled out for 280 in 45.2 overs, handing Worcestershire a 60-run victory.
Match 21, Essex vs Worcestershire
vs
- Ball by ball Over
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