Vithushan Ehantharajah

Covering cricket at New Road is never a chore, and yet watching Joe Leach always made it better.

He will probably cringe at that assertion. But the truth is, games of cricket are a lot more fun with all-rounders taking charge, and Joe is the type whose performances always contribute to an engaging affair. Whether taking wickets with the new ball or slapping a few lower-order runs, he never allows matches to drift – a trait abundantly clear in his captaincy and why he is as revered as a leader as a teammate, which is a difficult transition to get right.

Speaking as a journalist, he is always a pleasure to deal with, and his understanding of cricket meant a conversation with him is never wasted. I cannot think of many more deserving of a testimonial year than Joe given his service to Worcestershire and county cricket as a whole.