CALLUM Ferguson returns for Worcestershire Rapids alongside newcomer Wayne Parnell in a double overseas player change for the Vitality Blast finale.

Front-line batsmen Martin Guptill and Travis Head have left for the Caribbean Premier League and Australia A respectively.

But the North Group high-fliers' head coach Kevin Sharp has faith in Australian batsman Ferguson and South African all-rounder Parnell to also make a telling impact as his side look to cement a top-four spot.

Rapids' fans will have the first chance to see the duo in tandem in Friday's home encounter with fellow quarter-final hopefuls Durham Jets (4.30pm).

Parnell and Ferguson can play in the final six Blast fixtures but the former has also been signed for the next four County Championship matches.

He has just returned to action in the T20 in Canada after a shoulder injury.

Sharp said: “Wayne brings something different with being a left-armer but he is also a good striker of the ball and is keen to make a big impression.

“His stats stack up well and he is a proven performer internationally in all different formats of the game.

“He will also be available should we get through to finals day in the Blast.”

Skipper Moeen Ali has been given the green light by England to face Jets after missing out on the opening Test with India.

Rapids hope for action after the washout of Sunday's clash with Lancashire Lightning.

Sharp said: “That was frustrating but there is nothing you can do about the weather and now we want to try to press home our good start in the competition.

“But Durham are on a good roll of results themselves and we need to perform at our best.”

Rapids' supporters will hope Ferguson can repeat his Royal London One-Day Cup form when smashing 192 against Leicestershire and 159 not out against Northamptonshire.

Sharp said: “It’s fair to say Callum certainly made an immediate impact! Those were two wonderful innings but he also chipped in with useful runs in the opening games in the Blast.”

On Guptill and Head, Sharp said: “Martin and Travis have now departed and we would like to thank them for their contribution during their time at the club.

“Martin got runs in the Championship and the Blast and anyone who saw the century (off 35 balls) against Northamptonshire will remember it for many years to come.

“It was as good a demonstration of clean hitting as you are likely to see.

“Travis also made a telling contribution and learnt a lot from his first spell of county cricket although he would tell you himself he never went on to get the really big scores he wanted.

“Now we have Callum back with us and Wayne has just arrived. They are also two exciting additions.”

Moeen will also be able to play in Saturday's trip to Notts Outlaws (7pm).

Sharp added: “We were pleased Mo was selected for the Test squad and disappointed for him he was not chosen in the team.

“But as always we are delighted to have him back available to play any games in any format for Worcestershire.

“I’m sure he will want to try to help us strengthen our position near the top of the table in the Blast.”