LONDON, Oct 5: Australia ‘A’ batsman Phil Jaques on Wednesday signed a two-year contract with Division two side Worcestershire. The 26-year-old New South Wales left-hander, who moves from promoted Yorkshire, said: “There was quite a bit of interest in me from several counties, but once I spoke to Worcestershire I had absolutely no doubts that this was where I wanted to play my cricket for the next two years.”

Jaques, who has also played for Northamptonshire and who made 1359 runs in the county championship last season, added: “Worcestershire have the makings of an excellent side and we must set our sights very high — not just next season but the season after as well.”

Worcestershire, now coached by former England wicket-keeper/batsman Steve Rhodes, spent just one season in the top flight of the championship under Tom Moody in 2004 — and Jaques is determined to try to regain that status.

“The challenges of helping the side reach its full potential and gain promotion to the top division is something that really excites me and was a major factor in my decision to sign.

“Now I am really looking forward to returning next summer and, I hope, scoring plenty more runs.”

Rhodes, welcoming his new signing, said: “Phil is a prolific run scorer who has a career average of 55.

“Last year he was one of only three Australians to score a 1000 runs in the Pura Cup — and he continued his form with Yorkshire.

“To have such a heavy run scorer at the top of the order for the next two seasons will be a huge bonus to the Worcestershire squad.”—AFP