WORCESTERSHIRE head coach Kevin Sharp has praised Nottinghamshire for allowing on-loan paceman Luke Wood to play for Rapids throughout the entire Vitality Blast competition.

Wood was brought in for the start of the Blast as a temporary replacement for the injured duo of skipper Joe Leach and Josh Tongue with the latter since returning to the team.

The 23-year-old has made a telling contribution in helping Rapids reach finals day for the first time and been made available by his parent club to play at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Sharp said: “Notts have been fabulous, excellent all the way through, in allowing us to have Luke for all the Blast matches including finals day.

“They wanted him to get as much experience as he could and I’m sure he will reap the benefits and a big thank you for letting him be part of the squad for finals day.

“He has been with us all the way through, had some fabulous experience with us and has done a great job.

“With Joe and Josh being injured, we needed to add some depth to our squad and brought in Luke and Andy Carter — and it has worked.”

Wood, 23, played in every Rapids North Group game, except the two with Nottinghamshire, plus the quarter-final win over Gloucestershire.