Hick wins new Worcs deal

Graeme Hick © Getty Images

Worcestershire legend Graeme Hick will prolong his prolific career after agreeing a new one-year contract with the county.

The 41-year-old former England batsman, who joined the club in 1984, remains in top form and this year passed 40,000 first-class runs.

Hick signed a similar deal to stave off retirement last year.

He said: “I am really enjoying my cricket this year and still feel as fit as ever. Playing cricket is what I love doing and my enthusiasm for the game remains.

“I also believe we are close to having a very good team and I certainly want to be part of it when we start winning a few titles.”

The news brings Worcestershire some relief after a difficult few weeks following the recent flooding of their New Road ground.

The club have had two four-day matches completely washed out, been forced to play elsewhere and may not return to their headquarters this season.

Chairman Martyn Price said: “Graeme is in some of the best form of his life and is clearly fit enough to continue playing.

“Most importantly he wants to carry on for at least another year and wants to play for Worcestershire.

“During what has been a difficult few weeks for the club, we can start concentrating on what really matters and that is our cricket. It couldn't be better news for everybody involved.”

Zimbabwe-born Hick was capped by Worcestershire in 1986 and, after making a huge impact on the county game, qualified to play for England in 1991.

He played 65 Tests and scored six centuries but, by common consent, never fulfilled the potential of his youth and has not been considered by England since 2001.