WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids have received encouraging news about the fitness of paceman Jack Shantry ahead of Wednesday's home NatWest T20 Blast clash with Derbyshire Falcons (5.30pm start).

Shantry limped out of Friday's match with Leicestershire Foxes at New Road after being struck on the ankle when bowling by a return drive from opener Luke Ronchi.

He was unable to complete his over, which was finished by Ed Barnard, and went to hospital for a precautionary x-ray.

But Director Of Cricket Steve Rhodes is optimistic about Shantry being fit to face the Falcons although he will have a fitness test tomorrow.

Rhodes said: "Fingers crossed Shants is fit. We just want to fitness test him tomorrow.

"But at the moment, the opinions we are getting is that he should be fine to play.

"He got hit on the ankle and he couldn't put any weight on it and it swelled up.

"Shants has not trained today with the squad but he will be training tomorrow - with a fitness test - and hopefully he will be fit for Wednesday."

Shantry is a long established member of the Rapids attack but Rhodes intends to have all bases covered if he is ruled out.

He said: "We are naming a 13 man squad anyway which will include some very able replacements if required."