Alan Richardson signs with Worcestershire

Alan Richardson, the 34-year-old fast bowler, has signed up with Worcestershire for a two-year contract. Richardson has taken 11 wickets in six games at 56.18 for Middlesex this season.

Worcestershire's director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, said: "I have long been an admirer of Alan's bowling ability so to secure his services is a real boost. Apart from being a fine bowler in his own right, he will bring his vast experience and positive attitude which can only help at this stage of the team's development."

Richardson, who has also previously played for Warwickshire and Derbyshire, added:. "I am really excited at the prospect of playing with Worcestershire," he said. "The opportunity to work with Steve Rhodes and Vikram Solanki was too good to miss. I am now looking forward to the challenges ahead and playing good cricket at a Club I have always felt welcome at."

Worcestershire will be in Division Two next year after a disappointing 2009 season where they were relegated long before the end of the summer.

They are struggling to retain players and have lost bowler Kabir Ali, who has agreed to a three-year deal with Hampshire.