Whelan heads to New Road

Worcestershire have signed former Middlesex fast bowler Chris Whelan on a one-year contract. He was out of contract at Lord's and Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire's director of cricket, was quick to snap him up.

"I have been aware of Christopher's talents for a couple of years and am delighted that we have been able to sign such a young talent who I believe has a good future ahead of him," he said. "We are delighted he has decided to join us and further strengthen our depth of seam bowling at the club."

Whelan added: "I see this move as a great opportunity to establish my career in first class cricket with a team that is clearly ambitious. I will be spending much of the winter in Sydney and cannot wait until March when I should be fit and raring to go."

Worcestershire, who were relegated in the Championship, are reshaping their squad for the 2008. Fast bowler Nadeem Malik has been told he can look for offers elsewhere and the county are still pursuing Simon Jones from Glamorgan.