JOE Leach is relishing being part of the Worcestershire squad for the second part of the winter training schedule as he looks to grow into his role as the County's new captain.

The all-rounder is back to full fitness after a injury niggle prevented him from bowling during a spell of grade cricket for North Canberra Gungahlin in the fixtures just before the festive season.

Plans to return have been shelved and Leach - the club's players' player of the year for 2016 - is working with the squad in the nets at Malvern College ahead of the pre-season camp in Abu Dhabi in March.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Joe had a little niggle which is why he didn't bowl much before he returned but that's been put right now. He is back to bowling here.

"I think in his early tenure as captain he actually sees the importance maybe of being around for this phase before we all get together in March.

"We've actually got a few more players around during the winter than we thought we would have.

"A few of the lads who were planning to go away did not go away so all of a sudden, with our sessions, we've got a dozen lads and there are more at home than away.

"I know Joe feels it is nice to share the work and the responsibilities of training here and try and enhance and grow his captaincy stature within the group before the start of the season."